DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – Coming into the match, the Duhawks knew they faced a tall task. On Tuesday, Loras saw it first hand as they fell to the Luther College Norse, 8-1. Carrie Crabill recorded the lone victory for the Duhawks, winning by default after battling back in the second set.

The Duhawks came out of the gate strong as senior Elizabeth Dickhut and sophomore Jessica Dickhut played their way to an early lead.  The tandem's quick start faded however, as the Norse battled back to hand Loras the 8-6 loss at No. 1 doubles.

Just a court over from the Dickhut sisters, freshmen Kylie DeWees and Sam Pietruszynski worked their way to a 3-2 lead. The Norse battled back however, taking a 6-4 lead. A late comeback push by the Duhawks fell short, as Luther took the set 8-6.

Senior Caroline Rainey and sophomore Maggie Clements fell behind early, 3-1, at No. 3 doubles. After the Duhawks ralied to a 4-3 set, the Norse won four straight to earn the win, 8-3.

"Doubles was an outstanding effort," Women's Tennis Head Coach Karl Stubben said. "We are continuing to build on the doubles courts."

Minutes after finishing doubles play, Elizabeth Dickhut stepped in to take on Luther's best at No. 1 singles. A competitive set to start ended in favor of the Norse, 6-4. Fighting through injury, Dickhut couldn't overcome the pain in set two, falling 6-2.

At No. 2 singles, Jessica Dickhut bounced back to take set two, 6-1, after dropping the first 6-1. An early deficit in the third proved to be too much to overcome as Dickhut fell 10-2.

The Duhawks dropped No. 3 singles as DeWees fell 6-1,6-1. It seemed as though DeWees was in it every point but the rallies continued to end in favor of the Norse.
Rainey stepped to the court at No. 4 singles for the Duhawks. A shaky start plagued Rainey for the remainder of the match as she fell, 6-1, 6-1.

After falling in the first set, 7-5, sophomore Carrie Crabill jumped out to a 5-0 lead in set two before her Norse counterpart took an injury timeout. Unable to return to the court, the Norse were forced to a medical default, giving Crabill the win and putting the Duhawks on the board.

Sophomore Kelsey Woodward fell at No. 6 singles (6-2, 6-2). The loss snapped a three-match win streak for Woodward, dating back to September 6 against Simpson.

"We needed a little more patience in singles play," Stubben said. "That comes with experience and next to Luther that is something they have a bit more of. As we continue to play, we continue to improve."

This weekend, Loras travels to the ITA Regional Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota. Play begins on Friday with the competition continuing through Sunday.