WISE – UVa-Wise women's tennis opened conference play with an 8-1 win over Shepherd University. The Cavs swept the Rams in all three doubles matches on Saturday.

Senior Daria Tyshchenko partnered up with sophomore Aya Melhem as they dominated their opponents at the top doubles position. Tyshchenko and Melhem earned an 8-2 win over Shepherd's Alisha Adkins and Zoie O'Neal. Sophomore Taylor Carter and junior Mackenzie Lawson managed an impressive 8-4 victory over the Rams Zoe Nicewander and Anna Bock. UVa-Wise continued to battle as senior Serena Burgess and freshman Gabrielle Beville rounded out doubles play with an 8-4 victory over Nicolette Bruley and Olivia Scott of Shepherd University.

At singles, Tyshchenko opened at the No. 1 position as she gained a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Shepherd's O'Neal. Melhem proved unstoppable as she swept the Rams Adkins, 6-0, 6-0, at the No. 2 spot. After losing the first set at the No. 3 spot, 6-3, Carter responded taking the next two sets, 6-4, 10-2, to earn her victory over Bock of Shepherd. Lawson stayed in control at the No. 4 position as she defeated the Rams Nicewander, 6-2, 6-2. In a tough battle at the No. 5 spot, Burgess was able to win the second set and even the match at a set apiece, but fell short in the tie-breaker set, 6-4, 1-6, 10-7, to Shepherd's Scott. Junior Montana Hill wrapped up singles play at the No. 6 spot as she defeated Bruley of Shepherd University, 7-6 (7-2), 6-1.

The Cavs will play again tomorrow as they face Maryville College at noon at the Jim and Betty Humphreys Tennis Complex.

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