BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb Women's Tennis lost their opening match of the season against Elon 4-3 on a cold Thursday afternoon. Maria Jardim and Daniela Naupari highlighted the day as they both went 2-0 in their matches. 
 
"We played a lot of quality tennis today, however, Elon also played really well," said Head Coach Jim Corn. "It was a tough loss, but we saw good things from the girls in the season opener and am excited for the season ahead."
 
Gardner-Webb secured the doubles point to start the day. The returning #1 flight doubles duo from the previous season, Naupari and Miljana Ristic won their match 6-1. The Runnin' Bulldogs secured the doubles point when Jardim and Elin Hellberg winning their debut match in the #3 position. In the #2 position, Valentine Limauge and Manon Delsol lost 6-3.
 
Elon won the first two singles matches of the day to get up to a 2-1 lead. Olivia Archer defeated Hellberg 6-3, 6-1 in the #3 position, followed by Victoria Saldh defeating Ristic 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).
 
Gardner-Webb's Naupari triumphed over Sibel Tanik 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in the #2 flight to tie the match back at 2-2. In the #6 position, Shauna Galvin won over Limauge 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 to put Elon up 3-2.
 
Elon clinched the match with a victory at the #4 position when Lizette Reding defeated Delsol 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.
 
The day ended with Jardim winning in the #5 flight 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to have the match end with a final score of 4-3.
 
Next up for the Runnin' Bulldogs is a home match on February 11th against Queens University.