AMBLER, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's women's tennis team dropped a tough 5-2 decision to Atlantic 10 rival Richmond in the Hawks' first dual match of the season Friday evening at the Upper Dublin Sports Center.
Saint Joseph's (0-1) opened the match strong as it won two of three doubles matches to take a 1-0 lead. Aurora Davis and Alex Zachem teamed for an 8-6 win at the top seed, while Claire Minnoe and Maureen Devlin paired for an 8-5 victory at the second set.
In singles play, Minnoe posted a 6-1, 6-3 win over Melissa Kandinata, but that would be the lone singles win for SJU as the Spiders prevailed in the five other matches, including four that were tightly-played.
"A tough opening contest against a team a little bit more match fit," said SJU head coach Ian Crookenden. "I look for better results as the season develops."
The Hawks return to action Saturday when they join the men's squad in a dual match versus Saint Francis.
Doubles
1. Aurora Davis / Alex Zachem (SJU) def. Anna Abadias Morales / Melissa Kandinata (UR) 8-6
2. Claire Minnoe /Maureen Devlin (SJU) def. Brittany Boys / Katya Salas (UR) 8-5
3. Emily Gitman / Gaby Rosales (UR) def. Kristina Eisenbrand / Sarah Contrata (SJU) 8-5
Singles
1. Anna Abadias Morales (UR) def. Aurora Davis (SJU) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
2. Claire Minnoe (SJU) def. Melissa Kandinata (UR) 6-1, 6-3
3. Gaby Rosales (UR) def. Kristina Eisenbrand (SJU) 6-2, 6-1
4. Brittany Boys (UR) def. Maureen Devlin (SJU) 7-6 (3), 6-4
5. Kelsey Williams (UR) def. Kelly Mulquin (SJU) 7-6 (4), 6-2
6. Katya Salas (UR) def. Arianne Polatnick (SJU) 6-4, 6-4
Total Points
Saint Joseph's: 74
Richmond: 96