ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University women's tennis team saw its seven-match winning streak come to an end on Saturday afternoon as the 12th-ranked Vulcans of California (Pa.) defeated the Lakers 8-1 at the Westwood Racquet Club. Mercyhurst dropped to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the PSAC while California improved to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play.

The Lakers' only victory on Saturday came at #3 singles where Sarah Baich went three sets to knock off the Vulcans' Lucie Rey, 7-5, 3-6, 10-8.

"The team played their hearts out," said Mercyhurst head coach Jerome Simon about the outcome. "Every match was very competitive - some of the scores may not indicate that, but we battled in every match. California is a very good team and there is a good reason why they have a high national ranking."

One of the toughest battles of the day came at #1 doubles, where the Lakers' duo of Caroline Bristol and Sarah Baich fell short in their upset bid of nationally-ranked Lucie Sipkova and Lucie Rey, 8-4.

Mercyhurst will return to action on Tuesday, April 1 when it travels to Indiana, Pa., to square off against the Crimson Hawks in a PSAC contest. Start time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

#12 California (Pa.) 8, Mercyhurst 1
Doubles
#1 - Lucie Sipkova / Lucie Rey (CAL) defeated Caroline Bristol / Sarah Baich (MU) - 8-4
#2 - Ramona Czakon / Mariela Sarinana (CAL) defeated Courtney Thompson / Annie Baich (MU) - 8-2
#3 - Jesse Burrell / Florine Gross (CAL) defeated Katelyn Caniford / Taylor Wedlake (MU) - 8-5
Singles
#1 - Lucie Sipkova (CAL) defeated Caroline Bristol (MU) - 6-4, 6-2
#2 - Ramona Czakon (CAL) defeated Courtney Thompson (MU) - 6-2, 6-1
#3 - Sarah Baich (MU) defeated Lucie Rey (CAL) - 7-5, 3-6, 10-8
#4 - Kiefer Shaw (CAL) defeated Annie Baich (MU) - 6-2, 6-1
#5 - Veronika Mikulis (CAL) defeated Taylor Wedlake (MU) - 6-3, 6-1
#6 - Mariela Sarinana (CAL) defeated Katelyn Caniford (MU) - 6-1, 6-0