The Iowa women’s tennis team (13-3, 3-2) defeated No. 25 Ohio State (15-5, 2-2), 6-1, on Sunday in Columbus, Ohio.

The victory gave the Hawkeyes their fifth win over a ranked opponent this season and helped boost the team to the top of the Big Ten.

Iowa started the match with a win in doubles play to secure the first team point. The No. 15-ranked duo of sophomore Sonja Molnar and senior Merel Beelen continued to dominate, winning 8-4.

Molnar also won her match in the No. 1 singles spot against No. 66 Kirsten Flower (7-6, 1-6, 6-4). Junior Lynne Poggensee-Wei followed won at the No. 2 position (7-5, 3-6, 6-3).

Beelen, junior Alexis Dorr, and senior Kelcie Klockenga also claimed victories in their singles matches for Iowa.

After starting 0-2 in Big Ten play, the team is on a three-match winning streak, which includes two straight 6-1 triumphs.

The Hawkeyes will return home to take on Illinois at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex on Saturday.

— by Jon Frank