CASTLETON, Vt. – The Castleton women's tennis team hosted Russell Sage College in their home-opener Sunday afternoon, getting out to an early lead before eventually dropping the 6-3 decision to the Gators.
 
The Spartans (1-1) played extremely well in doubles play, with Pearl Bellomo and Camille Jackson earning an 8-1 win on Court #3 before Megan Brier and Stella Forte gave Castleton the lead, besting Sage (1-0) 8-6 on Court #2 to put the Spartans up 2-1.
 
The Gators took control at the start of singles play, taking wins on first, second and fifth courts to take the 4-2 advantage, but the remaining matches were tightly contested before the winner was ultimately decided.
 
After falling 6-1 and 6-2 in their first sets respectively, Brier and Madelyn Nonni fought back to force a seventh game in their second sets, but neither one was able to finish the comeback, falling 7-6 and 7-5 to extend Sage's lead. Kayon Morgan also battled on Court #6, but a 6-4, 6-4 loss extended the Gators' advantage to 6-3 and handed the Spartans their first loss of the season.
 
Castleton continues their homestand with a matchup against NVU-Johnson Wednesday, September 7. First serve is set for 4 p.m.