BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford women's tennis team opened its conference season at home with a narrow defeat at the hands of Mercer 4-3, Friday afternoon. 
 
With the loss, the Bulldogs dropped to 3-9 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. Mercer improves to 10-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play. 
 
Samford won the first doubles match on the No. 1 court as Alexis Lopez and Noelle Mauro took down their Mercer counterparts 6-2. The Bears won the doubles matches on the No. 2 and No. 3 courts to claim the doubles point. 
 
In singles play, the Bulldogs picked up wins on courts No. 2, No. 3, and No. 5. On court No. 2, Emily Surcey defeated Marina Quinones 6-1, 6-4. Ally Hayduk picked up another point for Samford on court No. 3, outlasting Lea Falentin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Samford picked up its last point of the match on court No. 5 as freshman Margaret Jaraczewski bested Emilia Cosatto 6-2, 6-3. 
 
The Bulldogs will return to conference play on the road against Furman on Sunday, March 17. The match is set for 11 a.m. (CT).
 
Mercer 4, Samford 3
Singles Competition
1. Teodora Ristic (MER) def. Alexis Lopez (SAMW) 6-1, 6-2
2. Emily Surcey (SAMW) def. Marina Quinones (MER) 6-1, 6-4
3. Ally Hayduk (SAMW) def. Lea Falentin (MER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
4. Mariella Minetti (MER) def. Noelle Mauro (SAMW) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
5. Margaret Jaraczewski (SAMW) def. Emi Cosatto (MER) 6-2, 6-3
6. Tea Zivic (MER) def. Meredith Taylor (SAMW) 7-6, 6-4
 
Doubles Competition
1. Alexis Lopez/Noelle Mauro (SAMW) def. Marina Quinones/Teodora Ristic (MER) 6-2
2. Lea Falentin/Emi Cosatto (MER) def. Emily Surcey/Grace Keller (SAMW) 6-2
3. Mariella Minetti/Tea Zivic (MER) def. Margaret Jaraczewski/Lauren Waddles (SAMW) 7-5
 
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