The Ashland University tennis team has already played their first match of the spring season at Mercyhurst Feb. 20. The Eagles’ only losses came in the first match of singles and doubles play.

Victoria Goudy went down to Kim Ezzo, 6-4,6-2 in first singles and Paige Cooper couldn’t help as Ezzo teamed with Caroline Bristol to take first doubles, 8-5.

Cooper had to overcome a 2-6 third singles opening set to take the second and third sets, 6-3, 6-4.

The women finished the fall season with a record of 10-5, 7-4 GLIAC, creating high expectations for the spring season.

The Mercyhurst victory was a good start but the Eagles will only play on their home court three times before the season is over.

Charleston travels to Ashland March 8, Cedarville will make the trip April 1 and the Eagles will close out their season at home against Walsh April 9.

Alexandra Ware and Corinne Pasley are the only seniors on the team filled with talent.

The squad finished in fifth place at the GLIAC Championships in late October to end the fall season. AU lost the opening match to Wayne State, 5-3′ but won the next two against Lake Superior State (5-0) and Michigan Tech (5-3).

Ashland is next in action today at Oberlin for a 6:30 p.m. scheduled start.