DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - With a bright future ahead of them, the Loras Women's Tennis team opened their 2014 season on Friday afternoon against Cornell College. Despite a valiant effort by the ladies in purple and gold, the Duhawks came up short, falling 5-4.

In doubles play, the Dickhut combination of Elizabeth and Jessica proved to be strong for Loras, as they won at No. 1 doubles, 8-6. Freshman Sam Pietruszynski and Maggie Clements earned a quality win at No. 3 doubles, defeated Kylie Southard and Katie Mintle 8-4.

With the 2-1 advantage heading into singles play, the Duhawks struggled to stay in control. Senior Elizabeth Dickhut outlasted her opponent at No. 1 singles, winning 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3). Freshman Carrie Crabill was the only other Duhawk to claim victory in singles play, defeating Anne Seng at No. 5 singles, 7-5, 6-2.

"I thought we had some excellent performances out there today," Head Coach Karl Stubben said. "It's easy for players to overanalyze losses when the team goes down 5-4, but I'm energized by what was on display today."

Loras continues their season on Monday when they travel to Rock Island, Illinois to square off against Augustana and North Central.

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Cornell College 5, Loras College 4
Aug 29, 2014 at Dubuque, Iowa

Singles competition
1. Elizabeth Dickhut (LORASW) def. Kezia Koroma (CCW) 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3)
2. Julia Thome (CCW) def. Kylie DeWees (LORASW) 6-1, 6-3
3. Shashanna Moll (CCW) def. Jessica Bremner (LORASW) 6-0, 6-0
4. Gabriella Ferro (CCW) def. Caroline Rainey (LORASW) 6-4, 6-1
5. Carrie Crabill (LORASW) def. Anne Seng (CCW) 7-5, 6-2
6. Katie Mintle (CCW) def. Kelsey Woodward (LORASW) 6-2, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. Elizabeth Dickhut/Jessica Dickhut (LORASW) def. Kezia Koroma/Shashanna Moll (CCW) 8-6
2. Julia Thome/Gabriella Ferro (CCW) def. Caroline Rainey/Kylie DeWees (LORASW) 8-4
3. Sam Pietruszynski/Maggie Clements (LORASW) def. Kylie Southard/Katie Mintle (CCW) 8-4