Emilia Jakubek

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Scranton women's tennis team suffered its first loss of the 2018-19 season on Friday, dropping a 7-2 decision to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the opening match of their spring break trip to Florida.

The Engineers, who improved to 6-5 with the win, took a 2-1 lead at the end of doubles play on Friday, winning the top-two flights.

The Royals (4-1) picked up their first point of the match as senior Elyse Smilnak (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg) and freshman Claire Loughlin (Binghamton, N.Y./Seton Catholic Central) combined for an 8-6 victory at no. 3 doubles.

Senior Emilia Jakubek (Honesdale, Pa./Scranton Prep) was Scranton's lone winner in singles play as she won at the no. 2 matchup as her opponent retired with Jakubek leading 3-2 in the first set.

Scranton returns to the courts on Sunday when it takes on Wayne St. (Mich.) starting at 5 p.m. in Orlando.

--ROYALS--