The College of DuPage women's tennis team opened its season Saturday with an 8-1 loss at Illinois Valley Community College.

Freshman Manuela Sus earned the Chaps' lone victory at No. 1 singles, defeating an experienced IVCC opponent, 6-0, 6-2. Sus also teamed with sophomore Semra Jadacic at No. 1 doubles, where the pair battled back from a 5-0 deficit before falling 5-4.

"Manuela was able to use her skills in many different ways with soft underspin shots, as well as forceful groundstrokes that could open up her court," head coach Jim Bowers said. "To have a freshman beat an opponent with vast experience is just a great win for Manuela."

Jadacic went the distance at No. 2 singles before falling 4-3, while Kathy Johns dropped a close No. 4 singles match, 4-2. Martina fell at No. 5 singles, 6-2, to a regional champion.

Nadine Gilbert competed at No. 3 singles and Sophia Boersman made her collegiate singles debut at No. 6. Boersman played the longest match of the day before falling 8-2.

The Chaps also dropped the No. 2 doubles match, 8-0, and No. 3 doubles, 8-2.

"We've been spending endless hours on the practice court and it's great to get a chance to compete and have the student-athletes represent COD," head coach Jim Bowers said. "It was an eye-opening experience for us to see what we need to continue to work on."

The Chaps return to action Saturday at 11 a.m. against St. Francis at Lockport Challenge Fitness.