BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb women's tennis team opened Big South Conference play with a 7-0 loss to the Winthrop Eagles on Wednesday afternoon.

The Eagles clinched the doubles point with three victories. Gardner-Webb's Daniela Naupari and Paula Romero fell 6-1 in the No. 3 slot before Valentine Limauge and Sarah Rieckmann suffered a 6-3 defeat in the No. 2 position. Sandra Bolstad and Miljana Ristic battled in the No. 1 slot but fell by a 6-4 score.

Singles play saw Winthrop win all six matches. Rieckmann fell in the first singles contest, losing in two sets, 6-1, 6-0, at No. 2. Naupari lost in the No. 3 position before Bolstad batted in the No. 1 flight, falling to the nation's 23-ranked player, Lauren Proctor, 6-3, 6-1.

Ristic (No. 4), Limauge (No. 5) and Romero (No. 6) were all defeated in straight sets.

The loss drops Gardner-Webb to 1-6 overall and 0-1 in Big South Conference play, while Winthrop improves to 7-2 and 2-0 in the Big South.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will now hit the road for two consecutive contests, first taking on BSC foe Campbell before traveling to UNC Asheville. The 'Dogs will play Campbell at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, and UNC Asheville at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.