BUENA VISTA, Va.- The Bridgewater College women's tennis team fell to SOuthern Virginia 5-2 in the Eagles' first team match of the 2024-25 season.

The new ITA rules were in play limiting matches to a seven-point format where doubles is limited to just one point in the team score. In addition doubles matches have now been shortened to just a six-game set compared to the previous format that featured an eight-game pro-set in doubles play, further increasing the importance of singles and removing the team element of the sport.

The Eagles were kept off of the scoreboard in doubles play with the best fight coming at the No. 3 spot as the freshman duo of Devon Wichael and Kira Doyne fell 2-6.

Singles play featured a much better fight from BC including wins at the bottom two spots on the ladder from Doyne and Wichael. Wichael battled her way to a 7-5, 6-3 win at the No. 5 spot while Doyne had a tight opening set before cruising to a 6-4, 6-1 victory. Jolexie Whetzel fell in a tight match at the No. 2 spot decided by just two service breaks at a 4-6, 4-6 scoreline. 

The Bridgewater women's tennis fall season has come to a close. The Eagles will open the spring campaign in February.