SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s tennis team began its spring campaign at Big East foe the Syracuse Orange this afternoon. Despite a strong effort, the Purple Eagles were defeated 7-0 by the Orange.

“I am proud of the team’s effort team today,” head coach Paul Calkins said. “For an opening match we were battling. We were competitive in the opening games and we're close, but Syracuse is a bit stronger.  It was an overall solid effort.”

SU (2-0) got off to a quick start by sweeping the doubles matches, despite a strong effort by Niagara’s number one doubles combo. The tandem of Hilary Hansen (Chalottetown, P.E.I.) and Alyssa Lucas (Clarkston, Mich.) won five games against Syracuse No. 1 doubles Emily Harman and Christian Tan before eventually falling 8-5.

Hansen had Niagara’s best run in the singles matches, falling 6-2, 6-4 to Harmon.

Niagara (0-2) will play the Binghamton Bears on Sunday morning in Syracuse, N.Y.

Doubles

Emily Harman/Christian Tan (SU) def. Hilary Hansen/Alyssa Lucas (NU) 8-5

Chelsea Jones/ Ashley Spicer (SU) def. Raquel Solis/Emma Cunnington (NU) 8-0

Simone Kalhorn/Jacquelynn Tang (SU) def. Vanja Lakic/Brittany Walters (NU) 8-0

Singles

Emily Harmon (SU) def. Hilary Hansen (NU) 6-2, 6-4

Christina Tan (SU) def. Raquel Solis (NU) 6-0, 6-1

Alessondra Parra (SU) def. Vanja Lakic (NU) 6-1, 6-0

Simone Kalhorn (SU) def. Alyssa Lucas (NU) 6-2, 6-0

Chelsea Jones  (SU) def. Emma Cunnington (NU) 6-0, 6-0

Ashley Spicer (SU) def. Victoria Tiso (NU) 6-0, 6-0