Meridian, MS – The Emory Oxford women's tennis team, in their quest for a sixth-straight national title, opened their season on the road as they traveled to Mississippi. They competed against Division I foes Jones College, Hinds Community College and Meridian Community College in a two-day event. 

On the first day of action, the Eagles Jones College and ended up with a 5-4 loss. All four wins came in singles play. Freshman Emily Freestone claimed the Eagles' first win in third singles 6-3, 6-2. Classmate Irene Wang won a competitive first singles matchup 6-3, 3-6 (10-7). In fifth singles, Freshman Mayuri Charan also had a close victory, winning 6-3, 4-6 (10-6). The Eagles' final win came in fourth singles when sophomore Lara Crosby won in straight sets 6-1, 6-3. 

After lunch, the Eagles redeemed themselves, defeating Hinds 7-2. Claiming six wins in singles, all in straight sets, the lone doubles win came when Crosby and freshman Lily McCain defeated their opponents 8-2 in the second flight. Freestone won second singles 6-2, 6-2. Crosby won third singles 6-1, 6-2. McCain and Charan won fourth and fifth singles 6-0, 6-3. Freshman Allie Lucky was victorious in sixth singles 6-4, 6-4. 

On the second day, the Eagles faced the host school, Meridian Community College. The Eagles ended up losing 7-2. The two wins came in singles play with McCain claiming fourth singles in straight sets 6-1, 6-0. Charan had another close victory in the fifth singles, defeating her opponent 6-0, 4-6 (10-7). 

"We have a very young team and we do not have much experience this year," commented Coach Hardin. "We did pretty good in singles play, but we need work in our doubles. We use this experience to get better and prepare for the next match. Overall, I am proud of the way my girls competed."

The Eagles will be back in action on Friday, September 17th, against Piedmont College. This will be their home season opener. Matches will begin at 3:00 PM EST.