CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Davis & Elkins College Women's Tennis team dropped its season opener on Tuesday, falling to California University of Pennsylvania in a tight 4-5 battle.
 
The Senators fell behind early after doubles action, but the third and final point of doubles play needed extra sets to decide.
 
Marlene Ridgway and Kalee Sherrard earned the first point with their 8-6 victory over Maura Gray and Charlie Gallagher in the No. 3 doubles match.
 
Elise Simon and Laura Fermosel were close in No.1 doubles, forcing an extra point as they fell 8-9 to Jasi Witherspoon and Katie Olson.
 
Trailing by one after doubles, the Senators would need four points from singles play for the win, but were only able to find three on the Vulcans' courts.
 
Fermosel picked up a win by retirement over Witherspoon in No. 1 singles.
 
However, Haileigh Carper and Kelsey Self each earned solid victories in the No. 5 and No. 6 singles matches.
 
Carper won 6-2, 6-1 to defeat Gray, while Self earned a 7-5, 6-0 victory over Gallagher.
 
The Senators will now set their sights on the ITA Regional Championships, which are being held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from September 22-25.
 
Doubles competition
1. Jasi Witherspoon/Katie Olson (CAL) def. Elise Simon/Laura Fermosel (D&E) 9-8
2. Veronika Mikulis/Alyssa Savill (CAL) def. Amanda Fewster/Haileigh Carper (D&E) 8-2
3. Marlene Ridgway/Kalee Sherrard (D&E) def. Maura Gray/Charlie Gallagher (CAL) 8-6
 
Singles competition
1. Laura Fermosel (D&E) def. Jasi Witherspoon (CAL) 2-6, 4-5, retired
2. Veronika Mikulis (CAL) def. Elise Simon (D&E) 6-2, 7-5
3. Alyssa Savill (CAL) def. Amanda Fewster (D&E) 6-0, 6-1
4. Katie Olson (CAL) def. Marlene Ridgway (D&E) 6-0, 6-0
5. Haileigh Carper (D&E) def. Maura Gray (CAL) 6-2, 6-1
6. Kelsey Self (D&E) def. Charlie Gallagher (CAL) 7-5, 6-0