DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The No. 26 Saint Leo women’s tennis team (2-1) encountered their first stumbling block of the 2011 season, as they fell to fifth-ranked Embry-Riddle (4-1), 8-1, Saturday afternoon from the Crotty Tennis Complex.

In facing one of the top opponents in the NAIA, the Lions experienced growing pains on both the doubles and singles sides. After seeing the team swept for the first time this season in doubles action, the Eagles managed to take five-of-six singles contests.

On the doubles side, the Lions’ top duo of Laura Kemkes and Adrianna Daszkiewicz fell to the nation’s No. 1 ranked team of Yi Ching Chen and Josefine Strom, 8-1.

In addition, both the Lions No. 1 and No. 2 doubles tandems suffered identical 8-1 defeats. Jeanette McDonald and Selma Hidass experienced saw their loss at No. 2, while Bethania Laan and Samantha White could not keep up at the No. 3 position.

On the singles side, Daszkiewicz gave Saint Leo their one point at the No. 5 singles position as she tamed Strom in straight-sets, 6-0. 6-2. 

Meanwhile, both McDonald and Hidass gave valiant efforts in their matches, but were eventually taken in straight-sets, 6-4, 6-1, and 6-4, 6-2, respectively.

Despite the final outcome, Head Coach James Bryce was positive in his feelings of the match, “Today we played a great NAIA powerhouse. It was a good experience for everyone and showed us how we need to improve over the next weeks. I am looking forward to practice this week to get ready for Saturday.”

The Lions will open Sunshine State Conference action next Saturday, February 15, when Nova Southeastern travels to the Saint Leo Tennis Center. First serve is set for 1:00 p.m.