MERION STATION, Pa. - Putting forth a strong effort versus city rival Drexel, the Saint Joseph's women's tennis team dropped a close match, 4-3, Wednesday afternoon at the SJU Tennis Complex. 

Opening the day in doubles play, the Dragons claimed the opening point with wins at all three flights.

In singles play, Maureen Devlin earned a three-set victory over Clary Rodriguez Cruz, 3-6, 7-6, 7-4, at the second flight, with Kristina Eisenbrand posting a 6-3, 6-4 win at the third flight against Kendra Bunch. Alex Zachem picked up a 6-2, 7-5 win at the fourth flight against Drexel's Ryshena Providence, but the Dragons would go on to win the other three singles flights to earn the team win.

"As close a match as we have ever had against a very talented team," said SJU head coach Ian Crookenden. "Outstanding fighting performances from Alex, Kristina and Maureen. Doubles point was lost first, so singles fighting was indicative of how our ladies are playing at a much improved and higher level than two weeks ago. Looking forward to good conference matches this weekend."

The Hawks (4-10) return to action this Saturday at Richmond at 10 a.m.

Doubles
1. Yazawa & Rodriguez Cruz (DU) def. Claire Minnoe / Alex Zachem (SJU), 7-6 (3)
2. Winkler & Bunch (DU) def. Kristina Eisenbrand / Sarah Contrata (SJU), 6-1
3. Bowsher & Providence (DU) def. Maureen Devlin / Anne Marie Devlin (SJU), 7-5

Singles
1. Honami Yazawa (DU) def. Claire Minnoe (SJU), 6-0, 6-4
2. Maureen Devlin (SJU) def. Clary Rodriguez Cruz (DU), 3-6, 7-6, 7-4
3. Kristina Eisenbrand (SJU) def. Kendra Bunch (DU), 6-3, 6-4
4. Alex Zachem (SJU) def. Ryshena Providence(DU), 6-2, 7-5
5. Lea Winkler (DU) def. Arianne Polatnick (SJU), 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
6. Fiorella Coria (DU) def. Anne Marie Devlin (SJU), 6-0, 6-3