INDIANAPOLIS – The Greyhounds made the short trip across town on Friday for a meeting with Butler (1-7). Playing their third of five consecutive Division I opponents to open the season, UIndy (1-2) was bested by the Big East's Bulldogs, 6-1.It was another new name playing in the number one singles position for Malik Tabet's club, this time it was sophomore Florence Renard getting the nod. Freshman standout Hanna Volikova was a late scratch in singles play after the two teamed together in doubles.
Renard capitalized on the opportunity, knocking off Butler's Bailey Padgett in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) for the Greyhounds lone victory of the afternoon. It was the third time the Belgium native has played in the first slot, winning each of her two prior matches.
With Volikova sidelined, each of the five other Greyhounds filled out the remaining singles positions.
Sophomores Dana and Paige Olsen each battled to third set tiebreaks, the former in the fifth slot falling to Michelle McFerran (3-6, 6-2 (10-6)) and the latter coming up just shy to Callie Schmit (6-2, 2-6 (10-7)) in the sixth spot.
Butler swept the three doubles matches, however the tandem of veterans Allie Smith and Macey Speer continued their solid play to begin their senior seasons. The two battled to a tiebreak against Konstantina Adami and Rachel Sutton before ultimately falling short of their shot at consecutive DI wins.
The tough season-opening stretch continues Sunday when the Hounds welcome Southern Illinois (1-3) out of the Missouri Valley to the UIndy Tennis Center.
