ALBANY, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's tennis team dropped a 7-2 match at Sage on Saturday afternoon to begin the program's 2023 slate.

Despite battling well in doubles action, the Spartans (0-1) relinquished each of the three points to the Gators (1-0). The sophomore pairing of Stella Forte/Ginny Trevisan at the top flight and newcomer duo Devon Kibbey/Janus Doenges at No. 3 doubles both fought to 8-5 sets. The No. 2 team of Camille Jackson/Olivia Rutkowski made a strong effort with an 8-4 decision.

Sage clinched a team victory with two quick singles wins coming from the first and sixth flights. Trevisan was bested at the second slot by Emma Nuzzi with set scores of 6-3, 6-0. Kibbey gave the Spartans their first point of the season with a two-set vanquishing of Amber Elk at the fifth spot. After Rutkowski fell at the No. 4 singles flight, Jackson claimed a super tiebreak triumph to continue a four-match winning streak extending from last fall.

The Spartans are back in action on Wednesday, September 6 at Plattsburgh State. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m.

RESULTS
Doubles
1. Spivey/Nuzzi (RSC) def. Forte/Trevisan (VTSU), 8-5
2. Connolly/Eichen (RSC) def. Jackson/Rutkowski (VTSU), 8-4
3. Inserra/Jeune (RSC) def. Kibbey/Doenges (VTSU), 8-5

Singles
1. Tirzay Spivey (RSC) def. Stella Forte (VTSU), 6-2, 6-1
2. Emma Nuzzi (RSC) def. Ginny Trevisan (VTSU), 6-3, 6-0
3. Camille Jackson (VTSU) def. Gwen Eichen (RSC), 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (10-6)
4. Claire Connolly (RSC) def. Olivia Rutkowski (VTSU), 6-2, 6-3
5. Devon Kibbey (VTSU) def. Amber Elk (RSC), 6-1, 7-5
6. Erika Jeune (RSC) def. Janus Doenges (VTSU), 6-0, 6-1