The Butler women’s tennis team lost a close 4-3 home match against Grand Valley State (15-5) on Sunday.

Sophomores Stephanie McLoughlin and Gabrielle Rubenstein led the Bulldogs (2-6) in against the Lakers (15-5).

McLoughlin captured a 6-2, 6-1 victory against Grand Valley State sophomore Niki Shipman.

At No. 2 singles, Rubenstein defeated freshman Leah Dancz 6-0, 6-3 to give Butler another point.

The pair also teamed up to win a No. 1 doubles match against seniors Tara Hayes and Alyssa Lucas 8-1.

Photo by Marcy Thornsberry

“In doubles, Gabrielle and I have been playing solid tennis lately,” McLoughlin said. “I thought we moved very well and closed the net very effectively, which allowed us to get the win.”

The Bulldogs also lost 5-2 at Evansville on Friday.

The Purple Aces (6-3) won two doubles matches and four singles matches against Butler.

Butler sophomore Angelina Qin led the Bulldogs by winning in straight sets at No. 5 singles.

“We are playing solid and competing hard with some quality teams,” Qin said. “Our losses are only helping us prepare for later matches so that we can win.”

The Bulldogs will continue their season today when they host Ball State at 3 p.m.