POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The Bates women's tennis team earned a hard-fought victory at No. 2 doubles but ultimately fell, 7-0, to nationally ranked No. 30 Vassar Sunday at the Cretella Tennis Center.

The Bobcats (4-8) showcased their doubles talent when the pairing of Olivia Gidlow and Elise Hepburn secured a 6-4 win over Vassar's Iris Li and Macey Dowd at the No. 2 spot. The victory marked a highlight in an otherwise challenging afternoon for Bates.

Despite the doubles triumph, Vassar (5-4) claimed the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 3. Isabella Saul and Iris Westmoreland battled at No. 1 doubles but fell 6-2 to Erin McCusker and Sofie Shen, while Lizzie Frekko and Ava Lyon dropped a 6-1 decision at No. 3 doubles to Maddie Kirby and Elyse Duley.

In singles play, Bates faced tough competition from the Brewers, with Westmoreland delivering a spirited performance at No. 1 singles. She pushed McCusker to a deciding third set before narrowly falling 6-4, 4-6, 10-4. Hepburn also forced a third set at No. 2 singles after claiming the second set 6-3, but ultimately fell 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 to Li.

The garnet and white returns to action next Sunday as the Bobcats welcome No. 8 Middlebury to Merrill Gymnasium for a NESCAC tilt.