Reading, PA – In a tightly contested match, Penn State Berks fell to Cairn University, 4-3, in the team's conference opener on Saturday, March 21.

The Nittany Lions struggled in their top three singles matches, as Mia Aharonoff and Eliana Koehler dropped the No. 1 and No. 2 singles matches in straight sets. Lannie Beck claimed the opening set at No. 3 singles but was unable to hold on, falling 6-4 in the decisive third set.

Penn State Berks found success in the bottom half of the lineup. Madelyn Caris earned her first career singles victory at No. 4, winning a thrilling third-set tiebreaker, 8-6. Marissa Bailey also recorded her first collegiate singles win with a straight-set victory at No. 5. Hester Xie secured the point at No. 6 singles by forfeit.

The match ultimately came down to doubles play. The duo of Aharonoff and Beck fell 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, while Koehler and Xie dropped a 6-1 decision at No. 2. Cairn clinched the doubles point and the match with those victories, earning the 4-3 win.

On the men's side, Penn State Berks was awarded a 4-0 victory after Cairn University forfeited due to a lack of players.

WHO'S NEXT
The Nittany Lions return to action on Wednesday, March 25, traveling to face Lancaster Bible College at 3:00 p.m.

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