HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Alfred University Women's Tennis team competed for the first time in nearly a year, returning to action with a 6-3 loss to Empire 8 foe Sage, at the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex Sunday afternoon.

It was the season opener for both teams. Alfred falls to 0-1 (0-1 Empire 8), while Sage improves to 1-0 (1-0 Empire 8).
 
Despite a short roster, Alfred was able to win three contests, two in singles action. Kimberly Rauber (East Islip, N.Y./East Islip) led the Saxons with two of the three victories in her first collegiate match. Alex Rossen (Charlton, N.Y./The Darrow School) and Anna Gwozdz (South Wales, N.Y./Iroquois) also made their collegiate debuts.
 
"It was a great start to our season today," said head coach Jordan Crouch. "Even though we didn't get the team victory, there were so many positives today. The team rallied around each other and busted their butts to get some of these wins! Can't wait to get back to practice again to improve for our next match."
 
Alfred received its lone doubles victory at the second slot, as Reuber and Rossen defeated Claire Connolly and Chloe Gore by an 8-4 score. Reuber then clinched her second victory of the afternoon at fourth singles, defeating Gore in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
 
Gwozdz earned a victory at the top singles spot. After falling down 5-0 in the first set 6-2 to Kaitlyn Banks, the rookie won two games before dropping the first set, 6-2. Gwozdz then gained momentum, taking a commanding 4-1 lead before Banks was forced to retire. Alfred won two of the four singles matches played, with Sage winning at fifth and sixth singles due to forfeit.
 
In the top doubles spot, Gwozdz and sophomore Cassondra Mark (Prattsburgh, N.Y./Prattsburgh Central) fell to Banks and Taylor Gillespie 8-4. At third singles, Rossen battled through three sets, winning the opening battle with Claire Connolly 6-4, but dropped the second and the tie-breaking set to fall 4-6, 6-2, 10-6 in her singles debut. At second singles, Mark took three points from Gillespie, but fell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0.
 
The Saxons will next head to Utica, N.Y. for a pair of matches on Saturday, March 13. Alfred will face St. John Fisher College at 2 p.m., before taking on host Utica at 5 p.m.