WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University women's tennis team dropped its opening home match of the spring season, 6-3, to Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon. 

Sophomore Marissa Stambaugh led the way for the Cardinals, claiming victories in two competative matches. She combined with junior Abbey Cassidy at No. 2 doubles as the pair fought to an 8-6 win in a tight match. On the singles court, she triumphed in a three-set match, winning at the No. 4 position, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2. 

Senior and reigning Landmark Conference Athlete of the week Brooke Simonson continued her blistering form at No. 1 singles, winning her fifth straight match to begin the spring season (7-5, 6-0). 

The Cardinals may have had a chance to claim the team victory if things went a bit differently on the doubles courts as they dropped two tight matches at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. Simonson and senior Liv Sensenbrenner fell at No. 1, 5-8, while freshman Paige Brightwell and senior Josie Cost dropped the match at the No. 3 by the same score.  

This loss drops Catholic to 5-6 overall and 2-3 during the spring season. The Cardinals return to action next Saturday, March 26, when they travel to Juniata to open Landmark Conference competition against the Eagles. Open service is scheduled for 1 p.m.