STEUBENVILLE - The Franciscan University women's tennis team made the most of their fifth match in as many days, capitalizing on strong singles play to defeat conference opponent Mt. Aloysius, 8-1 on Sunday.

Junior Maggie Vander Woude and sophomore Taranee Karimpour earned every point on their way to an 8-0 win at No. 3 doubles. The duo has displayed a chemistry, especially during conference play, that has only improved after the Lady Barons' recent schedule of intense play.

Freshmen Madelyn Conrad and Grace Hammel cruised to a similarly dominant win at No. 2 doubles. Hammel's strong service games allowed Conrad to finish with an impressive number of mean volley winners, in a preview of the future of Lady Barons tennis.

At No. 1 doubles, senior Claire Haddad and sophomore Maria Binette found points difficult to come by. The experienced pair took an uncharacteristic loss 8-3, perhaps as a result of the fatigue characteristic of previous week's difficult matchplay.

The singles matches which followed encouraged head coach Jeremy Ellis, after he commented on the relative lack of energy among the women. Haddad looked every bit a season senior in her 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 4 singles. Two courts over, No. 6 singles player Erin Coyne blanketed her opponent 6-0, 6-0.

Vander Woude would only surrender three games on the day after her flawless doubles win, claiming victory over her opponent at No. 5 singles 6-1, 6-2.

After dropping the first set 6-4 at No. 1 singles, Conrad dialed up aggressive groundstrokes, dictating points and finishing at the net. She broke serve twice and took the second set 6-1, claiming the subsequent tiebreak 10-4.

After the match, Ellis congratulated his team on overcoming the effects of a busy schedule. The Lady Barons play at home again on Monday, facing off against non-conference opponent Fairmont State at 4 p.m.