WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN. – The University of Northwestern women's tennis team opened 2020 action at Lifetime Fitness when they met up with nonconference opponent, Saint Mary's University on Friday night. The season opener was a tough test for the Eagles, who fell to the MIAC foe in an 8-1 final.
 
The Eagles recorded a dominant win at no. 6 singles by sophomore Ashlyn Hughes (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock). Hughes defeated Emily Strezishar, 6-0, 6-4 for UNW's lone singles win. The doubles duo of Sabrina Bush (White Bear Lake, Minn./White Bear Lake) and Taylar Smith (Litchfield, Minn./Litchfield) pushed the no. 3 match to a close tiebreak finish, falling 8-7 (7-3).
 
Northwestern will be back in action against another tough MIAC team when they take on the College of Saint Benedict on Saturday, Feb. 8. First serve is slated for 4:30 p.m. at STA-FIT in Sartell, Minn.
 
Follow the Eagles online this season at www.unweagles.com or on Instagram at @unw_tennis.