WARSAW, Ind. - Grace's women's tennis team began the spring season on Friday.

The Lancers fell 6-1 to Maryville, an NCAA Div. II institution. The match was play indoors at the Warsaw Racquet Club.

The match began well for Grace with the ladies winning the first doubles' point. Jimena Ramirez and Faith Valentine won 6-0 at No. 1 doubles.

But the Saints took the next two courts to claim the doubles' point.

Ramirez was also successful in singles' play. She topped her opponent in three sets at the top singles' court, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

The Lancers battled well in singles, but the Saints took the remaining five courts to win the match. Valentine forced her opponent at No. 2 singles to three sets, as did Shannon Brumbaugh at No. 5.

"The ladies are improving each day. They battled very well against a strong D2 team, and Jimena was excellent winning at 1 singles. I'm excited for the spring season for the ladies," said Director of Tennis Andy Lewis.

Grace's next match is scheduled for March 7 against St. Francis (Ill.)

DOUBLES

1. Jimena Ramirez/Faith Valentine (GC) def. Maria Mareos/Isabella Alvarez (MU) 6-0

2. Gemma Ricci/Nazli Saka (MU) def. Shannon Brumbaugh/Landry Shrock (GC) 6-1

3. Luana Luerson/Grace Brown (MU) def. Molli Runestad/Lauren Harris (GC) 6-1

SINGLES

1. Jimena Ramirez (GC) def. Isabella Alvarez (MU) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

2. Nazli Saka (MU) def. Faith Valentine (GC) 6-2, 2-6, 6-4

3. Gemma Ricci (MU) def. Molli Runestad (GC) 6-1, 6-2

4. Maria Mateos (MU) def. Lauren Harris (GC) 6-0, 6-0

5. Luana Luersen (MU) def. Shannon Brumbaugh (GC) 3-6, 6-0, 6-3

6. Grace Brown (MU) def. Landry Shrock (GC) 6-0, 6-1