The University of Hartford women's tennis team opened its 2015-16 dual match season with a loss to Providence College on Wednesday afternoon at the Hartford Tennis Courts. The Hawks got a solid performance at the No. 1 singles position by Skyler Schaar and got a win at the No. 1 doubles slot by the duo of Schaar and freshman Ariel Haber.

"The women had a tough opener against a team with extreme depth, poise, talent, and most importantly fight," head coach Torr Terranova said. "Providence is well coached and they are known for their execution and desire to win. Those young women never give up and believe they belong on the court against anyone. To show the kind of fight we did against them is a major positive. I cannot wait for what is ahead for this young, soaring Hawk squad!"

Schaar and Haber started the match with an outstanding performance at No. 1 doubles, knocking off senior Alana Prinos and sophomore Emma Burgess 6-2. At No. 3 doubles, the duo of Gianna Sabino and Felicia DeMarco was topped by Nicole Cyterski and Hannah Zangari to bring the doubles point down to No. 2. Meredith Heitland and Katie Long were within a point of bringing the score to 5-4, but fell by a score of 6-3 to Jenn DeLuca and Amanda Pitocco to give the Friars the doubles point.

"Skyler and Ariel played extremely well against their accomplished doubles foe," Terranova added. "They just played more aggressively. They served tough, they took the net first, and they finished points with authority. Skyler then followed that up with an incredible singles match against a very talented senior. She showed incredible maturity just as a sophomore. If she plays the rest of the year like this, then it will be one to remember."

Schaar continued her strong play in singles, battling the senior Prinos tooth and nail all the way to the finish. The sophomore took her foe into the tiebreak in both sets, but fell by a score of 7-6, 7-6 at the top singles spot. Long also put forth a strong battle at No. 5 for the Hawks, but Pitocco was able to hold off the challenge with a 6-4, 7-5 victory. The Friars took all six singles matches to finish off the team victory.

The Hawks will be back in action this weekend, with a trip to the University of Rhode Island on tap. The match is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in Kingston.

Results: Providence 7, Hartford 0
Doubles:
Skyler Schaar (So) and Ariel Haber (Fr) def Emma Burgess (So) & Alana Prinos (Sr) 6-2
Jenn DeLuca(Jr) and Amanda Pitocco (Jr) def Meredith Heitland (So) & Katie Long (So) 6-3
Nicole Cyterski (So) and Hannah Zangari (Sr) def Gianna Sabino (Sr) & Felicia DeMarco (Jr) 6-0
 
Singles:
Alana Prinos def Skyler Schaar 7-6(6); 7-6(6)
Nicole Cyterski def Ariel Haber 6-2; 6-3
Jenn DeLuca def Meredith Heitland 6-2; 6-0
Emma Burgess def Emily Sneddon 6-2; 6-2
Amanda Pitocco def Katie Long 6-4; 7-5
Brooke Burnside def Emily Lindsley 6-0; 6-0