HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Michigan Tech dropped a 7-2 decision to perennial tennis power Ferris State today at the Gates Tennis Center. The Huskies are now 4-3 overall and 2-3 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.

Unlike the last two matches, Tech had the match lead after doubles. Samantha Jang-Stewart and Monika Malinska gained a 8-6 decision at number two doubles. Likewise, Heather Neff and Whitney Schoep pulled out a hard-fought, 8-6 pro-set triumph.

FSU's Molly Basha and Marissa Muchow, who are the region's top team fresh off winning the ITA doubles draw, put away MTU's Silvia Oliveros and Amy Palmgren, 8-0, at number one.

"We played pretty well overall in doubles today, especially Heather and Whitney at three," said head coach Mike Axford. "They fought for every point and had their best match of the season."

Ferris State got the sweep in singles. It picked up quick victories at flights four, five and six. Basha knocked off Palmgren, 6-3, 6-1 at number one singles. Jang-Stewart was two points away from forcing a third set before losing, 6-2, 7-6 (6) at number three. Malinska was leading, 5-4, in the first set of her number two singles match, but retired as a precautionary measure against further injury.

"We played better today than yesterday and lost to a Ferris team that played well," said Axford. "We want to continue to improve for next weekend and our goal is to be playing our best tennis at the GLIAC Tournament."

Michigan Tech will hit the road for a three-match trip this weekend. The Huskies open the trip with Mercyhurst on Friday (Oct. 6) at 4 p.m.