SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — The Shippensburg University tennis team won three singles flights in its season opener on a muggy Thursday afternoon from Robb Sports Complex but could not come away with a victory over regional rival Shepherd, dropping a 6-3 decision to the Rams.

Shippensburg (0-1) earned victories in No. 4 through No. 6 singles from freshman Julia Saintz, sophomore Hannah Wolfe and sophomore Ruthie Kane as Amanda Fenn '06 made her head coaching debut at her alma mater. The Raiders also fought hard at No. 3 doubles, with sophomore Michelle Itkin and freshman Kaitlyn Erickson winning four games in the match.

Shepherd (4-4) entered Thursday's meeting having already played seven matches since opening its season on September 9. Last year, the Rams posted an 8-1 victory over the Raiders but this year's match was much more competitive.

Shippensburg returns to action at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30 against Chestnut Hill from Robb Sports Complex.

Shepherd 6, Shippensburg 3

Doubles
1. Brittany Bolster/Christina Hammond (SHEP) def. Cassie Sidone/Lisa Snader (SHIP), 8-0
2. Alice Dalauro/Katelynn Mumaw (SHEP) def. Daniela Delgado/Julia Saintz (SHIP), 8-1
3. Rachel Harrison/Christa Carr (SHEP) def. Michelle Itkin/Kaitlyn Erickson (SHIP), 8-4

Singles
1. Brittany Bolster (SHEP) def. Cassie Sidone (SHIP), 6-0, 6-0
2. Katelynn Mumaw (SHEP) def. Lisa Snader (SHIP), 6-0, 6-0
3. Christina Hammond (SHEP) def. Laura Babetski (SHIP), 6-0, 6-0
4. Julia Saintz (SHIP) def. Alice Dalauro (SHEP), 6-4, 6-4
5. Hannah Wolfe (SHIP) def. Rachel Harrison (SHEP), 6-3, 6-3
6. Ruthie Kane (SHIP) def. Christa Carr (SHEP), 7-5, 7-5

Records:
Shepherd: 4-4
Shippensburg: 0-1