SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (March 3, 2012) – The Mount Holyoke College tennis suffered a 9-0 setback to Bates College in its spring opener today at the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex Field House. The Lyons were paced by sophomore Eman Malik, who took the second game of her number four singles contest against senior Erika Blauth before falling in a match tiebreaker.

Bates won the remaining singles matches in straight sets. From top to bottom, the Bobcats featured first year Elena Mandzhukova, senior Meg Anderson, junior Jacquelyn Holmes, Blauth, first year Audrey Grauer and sophomore Lucy Brennan.

Senior Heather Richardson and sophomore Kelsey Brower came up with solid efforts for Mount Holyoke at the fifth and sixth slots, respectively. Both players were edged in their second sets.

The Bobcats also swept the doubles matches. Their pairings included Mandzhukova and Anderson, Blauth and sophomore Kristen Doerer and Russell and junior Ashley Brunk.

Bates (2-2) will stay remain in South Hadley to face off against Smith College this afternoon at 2:30. Meanwhile, Mount Holyoke (4-8) is scheduled to host Connecticut College on March 31 at 10:30 a.m.