GREENSBURG, Pa. - The University of Charleston women's tennis team took the early 2-1 lead after doubles, but unable to break through in singles play as Mercyhurst slipped away with a 5-3 win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, Monday morning.

The Golden Eagles (22-6) surged ahead early as Marcela Torres and Christina Samoilov took the No. 2 doubles, while Mallika Mali and Ilaisanna Carter grabbed the No. 3 double with both teams winning close battles at 9-8.

The Lakers (17-5) made their move in the singles competition taking the No. 1, 2 and 3 singles. Laura Smith kept Charleston's hopes alive with a 6-3, 6-3 win at the No. 4 singles, yet Mercyhurst would prevail with a win at No. 5 to end the season for UC.

UC completed the season with an excellent 22-7 overall record, while owning the WVIAC Tournament Championship crown.

Mercyhurst College 5, Charleston (W.Va.) 3
May 02, 2011 at Greensburg, Pa. (Greensburg Racquet Club)

Singles competition

1. Kim Ezzo (MC-W) def. Marcela Torres (UC) 6-2, 6-0

2. Caroline Bristol (MC-W) def. Sarah Monsheimer (UC) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

3. Rebecca Haener (MC-W) def. Christina Samoilov (UC) 1-6, 7-6, 7-5

4. Laura Smith (UC) def. Kelton Macke (MC-W) 6-3, 6-3

5. Courtney Thompson (MC-W) def. Mallika Mali (UC) 7-5, 6-2

6. Jenna Raynor (MC-W) vs. Ilaisanna Carter (UC) 6-3, 2-3, unfinished

Doubles competition

1. Kim Ezzo/Caroline Bristol (MC-W) def. Sarah Monsheimer/Laura Smith (UC) 8-6

2. Marcela Torres/Christina Samoilov (UC) def. Rebecca Haener/Kelton Macke (MC-W) 9-8

3. Mallika Mali/Ilaisanna Carter (UC) def. Courtney Conway/Courtney Thompson (MC-W) 9-8

Match Notes

Charleston (W.Va.) 22-6

Mercyhurst College 17-5

Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (4,1,2,3,5)

First round of NCAA Tournament.