Madeline Dorobiala
Staff Writer 

 The Franciscan University women’s tennis team lost at home against Allegheny College Gators 5-0 Sep. 25 at 4:30 p.m. 

 It was overcast with light winds at the Belleview tennis court. The Barons started the evening with the doubles. On the second court senior Olivia Colby and sophomore Jordan Beltavski started the Barons match off strong.  

 Colby and Beltavski battled with the Gators, winning their game 6-1 and taking first place among the Barons’ teams.  

 On the third court junior Veronica Saunders and freshman Lucy Rochat took a 2-1 lead at the beginning of their first set. The Gators challenged Saunders and Rochat’s defense throughout their sets. The Gators broke through the Barons defense and the Barons lost 6-3.

The Barons continued to persevere through the doubles. On the first court, juniors Claire Cardie and Kina Ehler fought for their offense against the Gators. Cardie and Ehler drew with their opponent. The Baron duo was quick on their feet but were outscored by the Gators and lost 6-2. 

 The Barons were optimistic moving to the singles. Four players from the match of doubles were joined by a couple of fresh feet on the court.  

 Ehlers was quick to defend at the beginning of her game and won her first set 6-4. She continued to defend her court and tailed the Gators in scoring throughout the second set.   

 Cardie covered all angles of her court at the beginning of the first set. She took control over the Gators and won her first set 7-5. In the second set the Gator’s challenged her defense and she lost her two sets.  

 Sophomore Hazel Mistry matched her opponent’s offense during the middle of her game but was challenged throughout and lost. Colby continued her energy from the doubles but lost her game in the second set.  

 Unfortunately, Cardie and Ehler’s games were suspended in the third set due to rain.  

Each game was fast paced and the Barons were quick on their feet throughout their sets. In the end, the Barons lost 5-0 to the Gators.  

 “They love the game of tennis and will be aggressive on the courts,” head coach Thomas Castello said prior to the game.  

 The Barons’ next home game is Monday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. against Geneva College at Belleview Park.