CAMDEN, N.J.– Eastern University Women's Tennis dropped its season-opener to the unbeaten Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors (9-0). The match was the collegiate debut for four of the six Eastern players. 

GraceHope Stevens and Kayla Patitucci are the two Eastern players returning from last spring. Stevens partnered with Mercedes Lohmann at first doubles and played in the top singles spot. Patitucci played second singles and at second doubles. She won four games in her match at second singles. Trinity Gruber and Brittany Pancoast joined to play in the third doubles spot. Gruber, who played for Eastern's MAC Commonwealth Championship Women's Volleyball team in the fall, made her tennis debut. Pancoast, Lohmann, and sophomore Thea Martin also played in their first collegiate match today.

"It's going to be a learning experience," Interim Head Coach Eric Houston said of his group. "They are willing to work hard and are getting better each day. The more experienced players have done a good job helping to bring the new players along in their skills. It was good to get the season going today."

The match against Rosemont scheduled for tomorrow has been pushed back to a later date. At this point, the Eagles are next scheduled to take the courts next Satruday at Gwynedd Mercy.