ROCHESTER, Mich. – In the third of four consecutive weekend trips for the Oakland tennis team, the Golden Grizzlies will face Western Michigan and Valparaiso on February 14 and 15.

Oakland (2-3) has split its last two outings, most recently defeating Dayton (1-6) before falling to Miami (OH) (2-6) last weekend. For the second straight week, a Golden Grizzly has earned  Horizon League Singles Player of the Week honors, with sophomore Martyna Piechowicz receiving the award on February 11. Piechowicz went undefeated against both opponents in singles and doubles play but was recognized for her performances as the No. 2 singles player. 

SCOUTING THE BRONCOS
Western Michigan (4-4) has split its matches so far this season, going 0-4 against Power Four opponents and 4-0 against all other teams. In their most recent match on February 8, the Broncos faced Dayton the day after playing Oakland. With a 6-1 win over the Flyers, Western should provide strong competition for the Golden Grizzlies, who defeated Dayton 5-2.

A regular opponent since the early 2010s, Western Michigan still stands between Oakland and its first win in the series. In last season's matchup, the Broncos earned a 5-2 victory over the Golden Grizzlies. Piechowicz secured a point and a match victory at the No. 6 singles, defeating her opponent 6-1, 6-2. Oakland returns to the West Hills Athletic Club at 12 PM (ET), aiming to secure that first series victory.

SCOUTING VALPO
Valparaiso (2-3) is coming off a 6-1 victory over Purdue Northwest on February 7. This weekend's contests against Oakland and Marian University will mark Valpo's second double-match weekend of the season.

Overall, Oakland holds an 11-9 series lead over Valpo, dating back to 2000. The Golden Grizzlies and Valpo have traded stretches of dominance over the years: Valpo once posted an eight-match win streak, while Oakland responded with a seven-match run of its own. Both programs know what it takes to succeed in this matchup. Currently, Valpo has the momentum, having won the last two meetings in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Live results for Oakland's match against Western Michigan can be found HERE.

How to Follow Oakland Women's Tennis: For complete information on Oakland Women's Tennis, follow the team on Instagram at @oaklandtennis_ and on X at @OaklandWTennis.