MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Millersville University women's tennis team kicked off their season by hosting the University of the District of Columbia for their first dual match. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Marauders fell short, with the Firebirds securing the win to improve their record to 2-1, while Millersville starts the season at 0-1.

In doubles play, Mia Gassert and Sophie Lanius secured the Marauders' only point, benefiting from a forfeit by the Firebirds. The remaining pairs—Marian Hayes and Lauren Hayes, along with Annika Rojas and Duda Coutinho Barreto—battled hard in their respective matches but ultimately fell short, each duo dropping their sets by a narrow 6-4 margin.

The Marauders picked up one point in singles thanks to another forfeit by the Firebirds. L Hayes came close to adding a second, pushing her opponent to a first-set tiebreak before falling 7-6 (4). M Hayes, Lanius, and Rojas all put up a strong fight but ultimately dropped their matches by scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

"UDC [University of the District of Columbia] is always tough and today was no different," said head coach Matt Helsel. "We had opportunities and need to capitalize on them against a team like that. We let them back in during doubles, and that may have decided the match right there. We'll learn from it and be better."

Catch the Marauders back at their home court on Saturday, Oct 11 when they host the Vulcans from California University of Pennsylvania.