ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern University women's tennis delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, securing a 6-1 MAC Commonwealth win vover Hood College behind a thrilling doubles comeback and commanding singles play. 

Smith & Gruber Spark Early Momentum

The match's turning point came at No. 1 doubles, where Anisah Smith and Trinity Gruber staged a dramatic rally. Trailing 4-1, the Eastern duo found their rhythm, winning six of the final seven games to claim a 7-5 victory and shift momentum in the Eagles' favor.

"After a bumpy start in doubles, Trinity and Anisah battled to come back and win 7-5," Head Coach Harrison Bitzeberger said. "The women did a great job taking care of business today."

Eastern also took control at No. 3 doubles, where Sarah Behm and Kayleigh Achenbach cruised to a 6-0 win, giving Eastern the edge heading into singles play. Hood's Samantha Huffer and Natalie Mackie took No. 2 doubles, 6-4, to prevent the sweep.

Dominant Singles Play Secures the Win

The Eagles controlled singles play, winning five of six matches in straight sets.

• Mary Brusstar (#2) and Sarah Mower (#3) rebounded from a tough doubles match with strong singles performances, each earning 6-2, 6-3 victories.
• Anisah Smith (#4) and Kayleigh Achenbach (#6) completed the day with wins in both singles and doubles, displaying impressive all-around play.
•  Rhyan Metzger (#5) played a strong match to finish the day, dropping just a few games en route to victory.

"Anisah and Kayleigh got both a singles and doubles win, and Rhyan played a strong match to finish the day off with a big win," Bitzeberger added.
Hood's Anna Frye took the Blazers' lone point, winning at No. 1 singles, but Eastern's depth proved too strong.

By the Numbers:

• Doubles Wins: Eastern 2, Hood 1
• Singles Wins: Eastern 5, Hood 1
• Shutouts: Achenbach (6-0, 6-0 at No. 6 Singles)
• Comeback of the Day: Smith & Gruber rally from 4-1 down to win 7-5 at No. 1 Doubles

Historic Win & Up Next:

This victory marks Eastern Women's Tennis' first win over Hood since 2016. Eastern (3-5, 1-0 MAC Commonwealth) looks to build on its momentum when it faces DeSales in a non-league match next Wednesday.