The women’s tennis team fell 4-3 to Saint Francis (Pa.) on Feb. 1 at the West Branch Tennis Club courts in Williamsport, Pa., despite the winning records of the Bison’s top players. Captain Elena Vidrascu ’14 and Maria Cioffi ’16 pulled out a win as a doubles team as well as in their individual singles matches.

“Although it was a loss for our team in the books, it was a close one. As team co-captains and seniors who have had three years of experience so far on the team, we can honestly say that we’re excited for what this season will bring,” Vidrascu said.

Vidrascu and Cioffi gathered the first victory at 6-3 for the Orange and Blue on the No. 1 doubles court, but this was not enough to win the doubles point. The No. 2 doubles team of Lydia Colvin ’15 and Michele Urbinati ’17 lost 6-4, followed by another defeat at No. 3 doubles for Alyssa McAndrew ’15 and Stephanie Pino ’16.

The Bison were unable to change the momentum of the match entering singles play. Colvin fell 6-4, 6-2 at the No. 3 position. Her doubles partner Urbinati lost 7-5, 6-3 in the No. 4 spot. Teammate Pino lost 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 5 position.

Cioffi and Vidrascu won their singles matches, with Vidrascu pulling out a hard-fought victory in the No. 1 position and winning the match in three sets (1-6, 6-3, 10-7). At the No. 2 spot, Cioffi defeated her opponent with ease in a quick two sets (6-2, 6-1).

“The girls have been pushed hard since the day we came back and already there is a huge improvement. There’s a significant increase in effort, as well as in the motivation to compete well,” Vidrascu said. “Overall though, we’re really excited to work hard and see how this will play out in the rest of the season.”

The Orange and Blue plan to turn around and take home a win in their next match at Coppin State on Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.