SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Sept. 11, 2010) – The Mount Holyoke College women's tennis team suffered a 7-2 setback to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe Babson College this afternoon in its season opener at the Mount Holyoke Tennis Courts. It was the Beavers sixth straight win over the Lyons.

Leading the way for Babson (3-0, 1-0 NEWMAC) were first year Sarah Whitaker, junior Rebecca Stone and sophomore Mikaela Stamas, who each picked up victories at both singles and doubles.

Babson jumped in front early by taking two of the three doubles contests. Whitaker and Stone combined for an 8-4 triumph at the number one slot, while Stamas and sophomore Victoria Lorido grabbed an 8-5 victory at the number three slot. Mount Holyoke's number two duo of sophomore My-Linh Nguyen and first year AnnElizabeth Konkel prevailed 8-5.

In singles play, Whitaker, Stone, first year Inna Loseva and Stamas each came up with straight sets victories. Meanwhile, senior Monica Mercer held on for a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) triumph over junior Heather Richardson.

The Lyons (0-1, 0-1 NEWMAC) lone singles point came from first year Maya Sayarath, who earned a 7-6 (7-0), 4-6, 10-8 win in her collegiate debut.

Both squads are slated to compete in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships next weekend. The tournament, which will be hosted by Babson and Wellesley College, is scheduled to begin on Friday and run through Sunday.