HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Michigan Tech split its two matches today as part of Tech's Gold Invitational at the Gates Tennis Center. The Huskies (now 3-6 overall and 0-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) defeated Lewis, 8-1, in a morning match before losing to league foe Ferris State, 9-0, in the nightcap.

Tech jumped to an early advantage over Lewis after taking all three doubles points. Brett Girard and Chris Calder combined for an 8-3 triumph at number one doubles, while Rick Halverson and Andy Sims were 8-2 winners at number two.

The Flyers were forced to default at number three doubles and number six singles because they had only five available players.

MTU won number two through five singles all in straight sets. Lewis' lone point came at number one singles, where John O'Neill topped Girard in a third set super tiebreaker, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 1-0 (10-5).

"We played solid tennis throughout the lineup," said head coach Mike Axford. "We started well and never let up, and it was good to see us close out two through five singles convincingly."

In a match that counted in the league standings, perennial power Ferris State claimed the win. The Bulldogs opened by decisively winning the three doubles matches.

In singles, several Tech players improved as their matches wore on. Halverson lost the first set of his match at number two, 6-0, then forced a tiebreaker in the second set (losing 7-4). Number four singles player Alan Parenteau had nearly an identical score (6-0, 7-6 (5)) and was just two points from winning the second set.

"Ferris overpowered us at the beginning of the match," said Axford. "They're definitely the best team we've played this year. It was good to see us work back into the several of the singles matches."

Michigan Tech will wrap up play in its invitational tomorrow at 1 p.m. with a non-conference match against Lake Superior State.