Box Score 

Newburgh, N.Y. – The Mount Saint Mary College Women's Tennis team opened the 2016 season on Thursday with a hard fought 5-4 non-conference loss to visiting Western Connecticut State. Freshman Michelle Carnovale (Massapequa, N.Y.) made her collegiate debut with a win at first singles for the Knights.
 
Carnovale cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 victory at the top singles position for one of the Mount's three singles wins on the night. Mikayla Zaccaria (Point Lookout, N.Y.) started her sophomore campaign in fine fashion with a 6-0, 6-4 win at fifth singles, while Miyanna Vernon (Liberty, N.Y.) made her debut with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 sixth singles win.
 
Western Connecticut also picked up three singles wins on Thursday and won two of the three doubles contests to secure the win. Emma Chapman picked up a 6-1, 6-0 second singles win, while Sarah Warkoski scored a 6-1, 6-2 win at the fourth spot.
 
In doubles action, Isabella Tartaglione (Pine Bush, N.Y.) teamed with Zaccaria for a tough 8-6 victory at the second position, while Carnovale and Alissa Gileau (East Granby, Conn.) suffered a hard fought 8-6 defeat at the first spot.
 
Thursday's loss drops the Mount to 0-1 overall on the season. The Knights will open Skyline Conference play on Saturday when they play host to Sarah Lawrence. Match time with the Gryphons is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.