March 29, 2008

Baltimore, Md. - The Loyola men's and women's tennis teams fell to Niagara in their MAAC openers on Saturday afternoon. The women, who dropped a heartbreaking 4-3 decision, are now 6-3 overall, while the men, who fell 6-1, are 7-3 on the season.

Loyola's women dropped the doubles point despite an 8-3 victory from sophomore tandem Caitlyn Day and Stephanie Dunn at No. 2. The singles competition featured Loyola wins at Nos. 4-6.

Dunn won 7-5, 6-2 at No. 4 singles, while senior Meaghan McKenna won in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) at No. 5. Sophomore Lauren Cassle claimed a 6-4, 7-6, 7-4 win at No. 6, leaving the match knotted at 3-3 with freshman Joy Johnson taking No. 3 singles the distance. Johnson fell 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) as Niagara took the team victory.

On the men's side, the Greyhounds fell behind early as Niagara took the doubles' point. Senior Doug Alban and freshman Dan D'Agostino, who entered the day undefeated in doubles play, dropped their first doubles match of the season, falling 8-4.

The Greyhounds point came at No. 2 singles, where sophomore Matt McDaniel won in straight sets. McDaniel won 6-1, 6-4. Both Alban and D'Agostino fell in long three-set matches, while freshman Jamie Russo battled to a 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) loss at No. 6.

Both the men and women return to action on Sunday when they travel to Fairfax to take on George Mason. Sunday's matches are slated for an 11 a.m. start.