BALTIMORE, Md. (March 19, 2015)-The Morgan State women's tennis team won its home-opener on Wednesday afternoon, by defeating local foe Loyola Maryland, 4-3 in a non-conference match at the MSU Tennis Courts.
 
The victory was the first of the season for the Lady Bears, ending a nine-match losing skid to start the season. It was also the first career coaching victory for first-year Morgan State head coach Matt Townes at his alma mater.
 
"It feels really good to get our first win of the season and my first victory as head coach at home in front of our family, friends and classmates," said Townes. "Our ladies trust the system and now will begin to reap the benefits of all the hard work and dedication that I have asked of them."
 
Despite surrendering the doubles point to the visiting Greyhounds, Morgan State would bounce back and capture singles victories in the first four spots to earn the win. With the win in hand for the Lady Bears, the final two singles matches, won by Loyola, were played in a shortened format called pro-set.
 
"I'm so proud of this team and while it feels great to get a win, we know there is much more work to be done," said Townes.
 
Morgan State (1-9) opens up Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play this Saturday, March 21 when it welcomes Hampton.

March 18, 2015
Baltimore, Md. (MSU Tennis Courts)
Morgan State 4, Loyola Maryland 3

Doubles
No. 1 - Amanda Lanciano/Ania Krawiec (LM) def. Chelsi Russell/Danielle Thompson 8-3
No. 2 - Ciera Plummer/Kayla Price (MSU) def. Julie Clark/Nicole Eberle 8-3
No. 3 - Megan Hahn/Olivia Ott (LM) def. Jasmine Edwards/Riana Roberts 8-2

Singles
No. 1 - Russell (MSU) def. Hann 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
No. 2 - Thompson (MSU) def. Lanciano 6-3, 6-3
No. 3 - Plummer (MSU) def. Emily Hughes 6-3, 6-4
No. 4 - Price (MSU) def. Haleigh Morgus 6-1, 6-1
No. 5 - Clark (LM) def. Edwards 8-4
No. 6 - Ott (LM) def. Roberts 8-4