The Wesleyan women’s tennis team opened its spring campaign with a home match against NESCAC conference foe Bowdoin on Saturday, March 31. The action was the team’s first since the ITA Regional Tournament held back in September at Bates College, during which Kiley Robbins ’14 represented Wesleyan in singles and the duo of Grace Smith ’14 and Lauren Jacobs ’15 competed together in doubles. Wesleyan, which went 3-1 in the fall portion of the season, fell flat out of the gate against Bowdoin. The Polar Bears, who are the 11th-ranked squad in the nation, bested the Cardinals on their home court by a decisive 9-0 score.

However, the Cardinals went right back in action, looking to reverse their fortunes in a home match against the Bates Bobcats the very next day. Despite an impressive straight set win at #1 singles by Smith and a hard-fought 9-8 victory at #3 doubles produced by Genevieve Aniello ’13 and Robbins, Wes fell by a count of 7-2. Robbins also competed at #4 singles against Bates, but lost in a close three-set battle. Bates is currently ranked 30th in the nation.

The pair of losses brings the Cardinals’ overall record to 3-3, with a 0-3 mark in NESCAC conference play. Wesleyan will next be looking for its first spring victory on Saturday, April 7, as the squad ventures to Waterville, ME to take on conference adversary Colby.