ANDERSON, S.C. – Despite the lopsided loss, 8-1, the Anderson University women's tennis team showed great promise against the No. 8th nationally ranked Cougars from Columbus State. The Trojans suffered their first defeat of the season Saturday afternoon at the AU Tennis Complex.

With the loss, Anderson drops to 3-1 on the season while Columbus State improves to 1-0.

In doubles action, Columbus State's Beatriz Leon and Beatriz Lopez narrowly defeated Laura Dean and Rebecca Bruning, 8-6 while Camila Tobar and Giorgia Vitale won over Ivey Welborn and Jennifer Holcombe,8-0, at the No. 2 position. Newcomers Delaney Wiggins and Jacqueline Olivia picked up the lone point for the Trojans by defeating Kirsa Utech and Olivera Tadijin, 8-5.

In singles play, Dean and Bruning pushed each of their matches into the third set, just falling short.

Anderson returns to action on Thursday when it hosts South Atlantic Conference opponent Catawba. First serve is slated for 2 p.m.

#8 Columbus State 8, Anderson University 1

Singles competition

1. Giorgia Vitale (CSU) def. Laura Dean (AU) 6-1, 4-6, 6-1

2. Kirsa Utech (CSU) def. Rebecca Bruning (AU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

3. Beatriz Lopez (CSU) def. Delaney Wiggins (AU) 6-1, 6-0

4. Camila Tobar (CSU) def. Ivey Welborn (AU) 6-3, 6-1

5. Beatriz Leon (CSU) def. Jacqueline Olivia (AU) 6-1, 6-2

6. Olivera Tadijin (CSU) def. Gabrielle Dacaba (AU) 6-1, 6-0

Doubles competition

1. Beatriz Leon/Beatriz Lopez (CSU) def. Laura Dean/Rebecca Bruning (AU) 8-6

2. Camila Tobar/Giorgia Vitale (CSU) def. Ivey Welborn/Jennifer Holcombe (AU) 8-0

3. Delaney Wiggins/Jacqueline Olivia (AU) def. Kirsa Utech/Olivera Tadijin (CSU) 8-5

Match Notes:

Columbus State 1-0; National ranking #8; Regional ranking #2

Anderson University 3-1