The Houghton College Women's Tennis team fell to the top ranked Empire 8 team, Nazareth College, 7-2 Friday afternoon. The contest was tight in the beginning, but the Golden Flyers slowly pulled away as the match progressed. 

In doubles action, all three courts were competitive from start to finish. The second pairing of Chloe Esch and Maddi Soth continued their strong season with an 8-5 victory to get the Highlanders on the score sheet. At first doubles Erin Haley and Elise Swanson fell 8-3, and at third doubles Hialeah Johnson and Tessa Brown were narrowly defeated 8-6.

In singles play, the Golden Flyers began to take charge claiming five of the six singles matches. Tessa Brown would be the lone Highlander to prevail with a thrilling 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 victory at fifth singles. At the fourth position, Maddi Soth would put up an incredible fight falling just short 6-1, 1-6, 4-6 in the third set. 

"Today is a tough loss to swallow," Head Coach Zach Shilvock said post match. "The ladies were right there in doubles, but the match got away from us in singles play. Despite the result today, wee have a great opportunity to bounce back with an important match tomorrow against St. John Fisher!" 

The loss moves the Highlanders to 2-6 (2-2 E8) on the year. Houghton will get right back into action tomorrow afternoon at 4pm as they celebrate their senior game at home against St. John Fisher College.