By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Buchanan beat Three Rivers 5-3 in a dual meet Thursday on the strength of three big singles victories.
While the Bucks' No. 1 singles player Ashley Shepherd lost a tight match, 5-7, 6-7 (7-3), the other three singles players helped Buchanan pick up the slack and pull out the victory.
At No. 2 singles, senior Jaclynn Mummaw disposed of Three Rivers' Louise Timm 6-1, 6-1.
Buchanan's Tracy Brelowski, senior, beat Three Rivers' Morgan Mericle at No. 3 singles 6-3, 6-0.
Senior Chelsea Ghatoaura also disposed of her opponent quickly at No. 4 singles, beating Stephanie Peffley 6-1, 6-1.
The two teams then split the doubles points, as Buchanan secured the victory.
Buchanan's Nicki Babcock and Carlie Foura lost at No. 1 doubles 3-6, 6-3 (2-0). The No. 2 doubles team of Lizzy Thornton and Nicole Meter won a close match for the Bucks, 7-5, 6-4.
Brittanee Smeltzer and Terra Linville then lost 1-6, 4-6 at No. 3 doubles, followed by Robyn Bahr and Leslie Niemier's 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 4 doubles.
On Wednesday, Buchanan traveled to Grand Haven for a four-team tournament with Plymouth Salem, Grand Haven and North Muskegon.
Buchanan finished third, which head coach Cuppy Mace said she was pleased with because of the quality of the teams in the tournament.
Grand Haven won the tournament with 23 points, followed by North Muskegon with 12, Buchanan with 9 and Plymouth Salem with 4.
Mace said the tough competition was good for her team.
Buchanan took second place at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 doubles at the Grand Haven tournament.
The Bucks continue play tonight against Dowagiac at 4 p.m. at Buchanan.