The Lancaster Bible College Women's Tennis team knew they would improve this season, they didn't think they would see so much improvement in the first match however. The Chargers (0-1) lost a hard-fought battle with The College of Notre Dame (1-0) 5-4 at Buchmiller Park in Lancaster on Tuesday.

"We felt good as a team after pre-season ended, but I don't think we thought this would be the result of our first match," junior captain Kelsey Scott said. "I knew we were at a better starting point as a team, but to have a chance to win at the end was a bit unexpected."

The Chargers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after getting wins from junior Rokhsan Ghaziaskar and freshman Kayla Scott. Ghaziaskar used her great first serve and quickness to defeat the Gators' Amanda Hollister 6-3, 6-1. Likewise, Scott jumped on Stephanie Uza with her quickness and shot making ability to win easily 6-0, 6-1.

Playing in her first collegiate match, Scott was very pleased with the result of the match.

"I was surprised by the outcome and very excited at the same time," the younger Scott sister said. "It was an awesome way to start off the season."

Freshman Bri Funk, also playing in her first collegiate match, dropped a tough match to Kelcy Bye, 6-4, 6-1. Funk's doubles partner, junior Carolyn Kensinger also dropped her singles match, falling to the Gators' best player, Miku White, 6-1, 6-1.



Sophomore captain Michelle Ringler overcame a first set loss to defeat Madeleine Foster 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Ringler used her drop shot and stamina to fuel her comeback.

In the final singles match, Kelsey Scott dropped her match to Stephanie Thackoordeen by a score of 7-5, 6-4. The match, which took over two hours to complete, was played well on both sides as both ladies fought for each point.

"I think I have to be a bit more mentally tougher during the match," Scott said. "If I was more mentally tough today, I think I could have won the first set. It's just one more thing to work on."

In doubles, Funk and Kensinger fell to White and Bye by a score of 8-3. Ringler and Scott battled tiredness during their doubles match, but fell to Thackoordeen and Hollister 8-5.

The third doubles match, which featured Charger junior Ashley Bell and senior Becky Griffes had its ups-and-downs for both pairs. Bell and Griffes jumped out to an early 4-1 lead and held off Foster and Uza 8-6.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when we went out there, but I am very pleased with how we played," Griffes said. "I think we have a better feeling as a team this year."

The Chargers return to action next Tuesday when they will host Philadelphia Biblical University at Buchmiller Park at 3:00 p.m.