NORFOLK, Va. – Franklin & Marshall's women's tennis team dropped a hard-fought 6-3 decision against No. 37 Christopher Newport, before downing Virginia Wesleyan by a 9-0 score Saturday on the road. 

The pair of decisions marked the first day of the spring season for the Diplomats (1-1), while Christopher Newport improved to 5-0 and Virginia Wesleyan fell to 0-1. 

By the Numbers (Christopher Newport) 

The Captains claimed a clean sweep in doubles action by securing all three wins. F&M was impressive at the top of the singles order with Nicole Russo (No. 1) and Tara Buchney (No. 2) both taking down their opponents in straight sets. 

Allysan Breece needed the tiebreaker to earn her two-set victory at the No. 5 spot by a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) tally. Christopher Newport now leads the all-time series by a narrow 2-1 margin. 

By the Numbers (Va. Wesleyan)

The Marlins were competing with only four players and were forced to forfeit one doubles and two singles matches. F&M cruised to both of its doubles wins with Buchney and Sara Haas teaming up for an 8-5 victory at No. 1 and the duo of Breece and Gavriel Rubenstein landing an 8-1 win at No. 2.

Russo (No. 1), Haas (No. 2) and Emily Gruenberg (No. 3) all won in straight sets in singles competition, while Rubenstein (No. 4) won by default. 

Up Next

The Diplomats return to the court on Saturday, March 5, traveling to Salisbury for a 12:00 p.m. contest.