STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – A young Franciscan women's tennis team did not show any nerves with a strong 8-1 win in the team's home opener against Bethany College (W.V.).

"It felt very cohesive, very comfortable and very exciting," assistant coach Shannon Irvin said. "We put in a lot of practice and we have a lot of new talent. Mixed with the experienced players, it makes just for a great season start."

The first match also marks the start of a new coaching era as head men's tennis coach Jeremy Ellis takes over the women's program, bringing over assistant coaches Irvin and Scott Greve as well.

"The three of us who combined our efforts with the men's tennis are going to do great things with women as well," Irvin said. "It's a new season for all of us."

The Lady Barons started off with a commanding 3-0 lead after doubles play in which the Bison only took six games in those three matches.

Senior Renata Crespo and sophomore Maggie Vander Woude worked well together at no. 2 doubles, winning 8-1, despite having never played together before this season.

"Maggie and Renata, they meshed," Irvin said. "They communicated well. It was like they were able to read each other as they were playing and they were both aggressive."

Crespo was able to continue that energy and aggressive play in her no. 2 singles match, which she won at love 6-0, 6-0.

The singles match that stole the show was played on court no. 4 with junior Claire Haddad, one of Franciscan's few returning players. Haddad was able to turn around after a shaky start and win 6-4, 6-0.

"Claire played extremely well and consistent," Irvin said. "She didn't get inside of her head. A lot of times it's easy to get inside your head and she did not. She played consistent and had the mental toughness to go long with the raw talent."

Looking toward the next match, Irvin said that the team's cohesiveness and camaraderie will help them continue their on-the-court success.

"The way that they encourage one another from three or five courts away just speaks volumes," Irvin said. "Not that many schools do that in such a non-antagonistic way. Ours are just genuine and it's a very good environment."

The Lady Barons will play in the first conference match of the season at home against Medaille College on September 12 at 2 pm.