WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Catholic University women's tennis team went 1-1 on opening weekend as they faced Lebanon Valley and Hood on Saturday. 

Match 1 – Catholic 0, Lebanon Valley 9

The Cardinals battled hard and came up just short against the Flying Dutchwomen, who were contenders in last year's NCAA Tournament. Five Cardinals made their collegiate debut including Ava Kaloustian, Meaghan Laniewski, Alyson Morris, Ava Niggemeier and Mairead O'Hara. 

Laniewski had a competitive singles match at No. 3, barely conceding close points to go down 2-6, 3-6. O'Hara and Niggemeier overcame their first match jitters to win their second sets 6-1 and 6-0 respectively before falling in third set tiebreaks.

Match 2 – Catholic 8, Hood 1

The Cardinals bounced back in style after gaining their footing in match one, winning three doubles and five singles matches. 

The freshman duo of O'Hara and Niggemeier picked up an exciting 8-3 win at No. 1 doubles to start the afternoon. Laniewski and Paige Brightwell also won 8-3 at No. 2 doubles followed by an 8-2 victory from Kaloustian and Gabriella Villaplana at No. 3 doubles. 

The competition increased at No. 1 singles where Jane Krukiel battled a talented Blazer, but ultimately fell short. Brightwell and Niggemeier both stopped comeback efforts from their opponents to win in second set tiebreaks. The remainder of the singles competitors for the Cardinals won their two sets convincingly. 

Kaloustian, Niggemeier, Morris, O'Hara and Laniewski each earned their first collegiate wins in today's match. 

Catholic's previously scheduled match against Stevenson tomorrow was postponed, stay tuned for a makeup date in the coming days.