WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Despite losing 7-2 to Taylor University on Tuesday, Grace's women's tennis team showed marked improvement in defeat.

The Lady Lancers won their first matches of the season, including victories from Janelle Hess in singles play and from Kristin Cassidy and Taryn Wuensch in doubles competition.

Hess won the first singles point of the year for Grace at No. 4 singles by the score of 6-3, 6-1. Freshman Taryn Wuensch was competitive at No. 2 singles before ultimately falling 6-2, 6-3.

Wuensch teamed up with Cassidy at No. 1 doubles, however, to give Grace an 8-5 victory. All three of Grace's doubles points were close as Nicole Beguin and Hess fell 8-6 at No. 2 doubles, and Sarah Hinkel and Esther Smith were narrowly ousted in extra points, 9-7.

With three extremely competitive doubles matches and two wins overall, Grace's match with Taylor was undoubtedly their strongest performance of the season.

The Lady Lancers will take a break from league action with a trip to the ITA Tournament the rest of the week.

SINGLES COMPETITION

1. Kristin Cassidy lost 6-3, 6-0
2. Taryn Wuensch lost 6-2, 6-3
3. Nicole Beguin lost 6-2, 6-1
4. Janelle Hess won 6-3, 6-1
5. Sarah Hinkel lost 6-1, 6-2
6. Esther Smith lost 6-1, 6-0

DOUBLES COMPETITION

1. Kristin Cassidy/Taryn Wuensch won 8-5
2. Nicole Beguin/Janelle Hess lost 8-6
3. Sarah Hinkel/Esther Smith lost 9-7