DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – After going winless in their first three matches of the 2014 season, the Loras Women's Tennis team surged to victory in their conference opener, defeating their crosstown rivals, University of Dubuque, 8-1.

The Duhawks started off hot on Tuesday night, as the sisterly combo of Elizabeth and Jessica Dickhut slammed their way to victory at No. 1 singles 8-1 over Arantxa Martinez and Ashley Schlueter. Loras continued their hot streak at No. 2 doubles with freshman Kylie DeWees and senior Caroline Rainey taking the charge and defeating Stephanie LoCasto and Marissa Rutenbeck, 8-0.

Sophomore Maggie Clements and freshman Sam Pietruszynski completed the sweep in doubles play, defeating Marissa Scott and Taylor Fortman, 8-2. It was the first time this season that Loras has swept doubles play in a match.

With doubles play wrapped up, Loras received their only blemish on the day as Elizabeth Dickhut fell at No. 1 singles to Martinez 6-4, 7-6 (7-1). The Spartans failed to grab the momentum from that match, as Loras stormed back grabbing wins in all of the remaining singles matches.

DeWees sent down Schlueter at No. 2 singles, winning 6-4, 6-2. Her doubles partner, Rainey, kept the locomotive gliding on the track, derailing Rutenbeck at No. 4 singles 6-1, 6-0.

At No. 3 singles, Jessica Dickhut stormed away with a victory, knocking off LoCasto 6-1, 6-3. Sophomores Carrie Crabill and Kelsey Woodward rounded up the match for Loras at No. 5 and 6 singles respectively. Crabill quieted Fortman 6-1, 6-0, and Woodward made quick work of Samantha Serd 6-0, 6-1.

"I think our tough non-conference schedule paid dividends for us today," Head Coach Karl Stubben said. "The doubles teams of Rainey/DeWees and Clements/Pietruszynski continue to gain momentum as the season goes on."

With the win, Loras improves to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in the Iowa Conference. The Duhawks travel to Indianola, Iowa to take on Simpson College on Saturday, September 6. The match is set to start at 9 a.m.

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Loras 8, Univ. of Dubuque 1

Singles
1. Arantxa Martinez def. Elizabeth Dickhut 6-4, 7-6 (7-1)
2. Kylie DeWees def. Ashley Schlueter 6-4, 6-2
3. Jessica Dickhut def. Stephanie LoCasto 6-1, 6-3
4. Caroline Rainey def. Marissa Rutenbeck 6-1, 6-0
5. Carrie Crabill def. Taylor Fortman 6-1, 6-0
6. Kelsey Woodward def. Samantha Serd 6-0, 6-1

Doubles
1. Elizabeth Dickhut/Jessica Dickhut def. Arantxa Martinez/Ashley Schlueter 8-1
2. Kylie DeWees/Caroline Rainey def. Stephanie LoCasto/Marissa Rutenbeck 8-0
3. Maggie Clements/Sam Pietruszynski def Marissa Scott/Taylor Fortman 8-2