RINDGE, N.H. (September 9, 2018) – The Franklin Pierce University women's tennis team was defeated in its home and Northeast-10 Conference opener on Sunday afternoon, as the Ravens dropped a 6-1 decision to visiting Saint Michael's.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 0-2 (0-1 NE10), while Saint Michael's improves to 1-2 (1-1 NE10).

Saint Michael's took victories in all three doubles contests to take the doubles point to open play. The NCAA and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association opted for a rules change at the Division II level in 2018-19, which brings play in line with the standards of Division I. Instead of each doubles match counting for a point in the team match, the three doubles contests are now played as a "best-of-three". Whichever team wins at least two of the three doubles matches lays claim to the doubles point. The six singles matches are still worth a point a piece. As a result, team matches are now a best-of-seven points, as opposed to the previous best-of-nine.

The lone point of the day for Franklin Pierce came at third singles. Ravens junior Sarah Rich (Windham, Maine) was hardly tested, as she rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 win over Saint Michael's sophomore Melissa Wood.

Elsewhere, senior Alana Wyatt (Worcester, Mass.) put together a competitive showing at first singles, while freshman Grayson LaCroix (Cherry Valley, Mass.) did the same at second singles, though both were ultimately defeated in straight sets. Wyatt fell to junior Abby Ramsay, 6-3, 6-4, while LaCroix dropped a 7-5, 6-3 decision to senior Margaret de Pont.

The Ravens return to the court on Wednesday, Sept. 12, when they travel to Assumption for an NE10 match at 3:30 p.m. in Worcester, Massachusetts.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (https://www.fpuraves.com). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce tennis apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (https://www.fpuravens.com/store).