Shepherdstown, W.Va.--The George Mason Women's Tennis team began their season in fine fashion, defeating Shepherd University by a score of 8-1.

"I was pleased with our performance to open the season," said head coach Stephen Curtis.  "It got us some valuable experience, especially for our freshmen, going into the Tiger Invitational this weekend."

Mason opened the match jumping out to a 3-0 lead by sweeping all three of their doubles matches.  Freshmen Tori Zalewski and Liza Davis contributed immediately, teaming up with upperclassmen Andy London and Brooke Blackwell respectively at the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions, winning each match by a score of 8-1.

Alison Wingo and Ashley Delaney completed the sweep, by winning out of the No. 1 position by a score of 9-7.

The Patriots carried their doubles play over into singles, as Wingo, Blackwell, Davis, Zalewski, and Londen all notched victories in straight sets including four of five matches by a score of 6-0, 6-0.  Delaney suffered the only loss, but forced a third set tiebreaker.

The team will next compete in the Tiger Invitational at Towson University this upcoming weekend.

Mason 8, Shepherd 1

Doubles

1. Wingo/Delaney defeated Bolster/Hammond 9-7 
2. Blackwell/Davis defeated Mumaw/D'Alarro 8-1
3. Londen/Zalewski defeated Carr/Harrison 8-1

Singles

1. Wingo defeated Mumaw 7-6(5), 6-5

2. Delaney lost to Bolster 6-2, 3-6, 8-10

3. Blackwell defeated Hammond 6-0, 6-0

4. Davis defeated Carr 6-0, 6-0

5. Zalewski defeated D'Alarro 6-0, 6-0

6. Londen defeated Harrison 6-0, 6-0