UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Michigan Tech gained a 5-4, come-from-behind victory to open its 2008-09 women's tennis season. The Huskies edged Saginaw Valley State in a match that was both schools' Great Lakes intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener.

Tech trailed 2-1 after doubles, but posted wins in four of the six singles matches to come away with the team victory. Nathalia Rondelli was the deciding match at number three singles. She won, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, over Danielle Coldren.

Freshman Victoria Zhilkina and sophomore Asel Otunchieva were both double winners. The pair combined for an 8-5 number two doubles win. Then Zhilkina, playing in her first collegiate match, cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Katie Hanover at number one singles. Otunchieva rolled to a 6-1, 6-3 triumph at number five singles.

All four of the other singles matches went to three sets. Tech's Silvia Oliveros overcame a setback in the first to take a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory. Saginaw Valley State claimed team points at number four and six singles.

"It was tough playing our first match of the season on the road and in conference," said head coach Mike Axford. "It took us a while to get our feet under us, but we did and got a big win."

Michigan Tech (1-0 overall and 1-0 GLIAC) will stop in Midland tomorrow for a match against perennial power Northwood. Match time is set for 10 a.m.