YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The IUP women's tennis team lost its season-opening match to Youngstown State by a score of 7-0 Saturday afternoon at the YSU Indoor Tennis Center. 

This was IUP's first action since March 12, 2020, when the pandemic forced the cancellation of 2020 spring sports.

YSU, a member of the Horizon League, had played all Division I opponents prior to Saturday's match against the Crimson Hawks, and improved to 2-4. 

IUP featured a new-look lineup in its return to the court, with three newcomers playing singles and doubles. 

One of those newcomers, junior transfer Karolin Kirchtag, started at the No. 2 singles spot and lost to Cecilia Rosas 6-3, 6-1.

Top returner Joanna Stralka, who finished her freshman year ranked No. 2 in the Atlantic Region, played at the top singles spot to fell 6-1, 6-4 to Tamara Teufl. 

Up Next
This was the first of four straight Division I opponents to open IUP's season. The Hawks return to action in two weeks when they face Bucknell in Williamsport on Feb. 28.

Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's tennis on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPtennis.