LEWISTON, Maine – The Bates women's tennis team opened NESCAC play with a hard-fought effort against nationally ranked (No. 14) Tufts on Friday at Merrill Gymnasium. Though the visiting Jumbos claimed a 7-0 victory, the Bobcats found a bright spot at the top doubles court, where the duo of Isabella Saul and Iris Westmoreland secured a thrilling 7-5 win over Tufts' Melanie and Stephanie Woodbury.

Saul and Westmoreland set the tone early, matching the Woodbury sisters shot for shot before breaking serve late to clinch Bates' lone win of the day. Their performance stood out in an otherwise challenging afternoon against a Tufts squad that showcased its depth across the lineup.

Tufts (5-0, 1-0 NESCAC) secured the doubles point with wins at No. 2 and No. 3, then carried the momentum into singles play, where the Bobcats battled but couldn't overcome the Jumbos' firepower. Westmoreland pushed Ellie Gershaw in the opening set at No. 1 singles before falling 7-5, 6-1. Saul  forced a tiebreaker in the second set at No. 2 before dropping a 6-4, 7-6 decision to Melanie Woodbury.

Ava Lyon delivered a strong fight at No. 5 singles, forcing a second-set tiebreaker before ultimately falling 6-3, 7-5 to Athena Li. Meanwhile, Olivia Gidlow put together a competitive opening set at No. 4, pushing Lucy Mitchell to the limit before dropping a 7-5, 6-2 decision.

With the loss, Bates moves to 1-5 (0-1 NESCAC) on the season and turns its attention to another NESCAC showdown on Saturday when it hosts Connecticut College at 2 p.m. in Merrill Gym.