INDIANA, Pa. – IUP women's tennis is set to open the 2022 dual match campaign this weekend with matches at Niagara and Buffalo in New York. The Crimson Hawks will play at Niagara Friday night at 7 p.m. and at Buffalo Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

The weekend marks the return to the court for the Crimson Hawks, who are coming off a wildly successful individual fall tournament season that included regional and conference championships. Niagara and Buffalo will also see their first action of the semester this weekend.

IUP's Projected Lineup
Singles w/2021 tournament record
1. Karolin Kirchtag, 12-2
2. Joanna Stralka, 2-1
3. Natasha Munday, 5-2
4. Katy Graydon, 6-2
5. Laura Dunarova, 3-1
6. - 

Singles w/2021 tournament record
1. Kirchtag/Stralka, 0-0
2. Munday/Graydon, 0-0

Notes
>> Karolin Kirchtag had the most successful individual fall season in program history, capturing the Atlantic Region and PSAC singles and doubles championships at the respective tournaments. She put up a combined 22-5 record, including a streak of 21 straight singles and doubles victories, and competed in the ITA Cup in Georgia.
>> Katy Graydon was Kirchtag's partner in the fall, winning both regional and league doubles titles, and going 10-3 in doubles play.
>> This will be the second straight spring going up against Niagara, posting a 5-2 road win last April. IUP also defeated the Purple Eagles 5-2 back in February 2012.
>> This will be IUP's first match against Buffalo. The two teams were supposed to play last March but the match was canceled due to COVID protocols. 
>> IUP is 14-5 in February matches since 2015. 
>> The Hawks enter the spring ranked No. 23 in the ITA Division II preseason poll.