NASHVILLE – The Martin Methodist Women's Tennis team suffered a 7-0 defeat in its season opener to NCAA Division I foe Belmont University Friday night at the Ensworth Tennis Center.

At the one, the duo of Sina Albersmeier and Michelle Blaha took two games off Maria Plaksina and Terra Sheldon, but suffered an eventual 6-2 defeat.

The other two doubles points were 6-0 victories for Belmont as the squads headed into singles play.

At the No. 2 singles position, Albersmeier turned in a hard-fought, 6-1, 6-3, defeat to Peyton Lee in the most competitive match of singles play.

"It is always tough to start your year off with a defeat," RedHawks head coach Bill Riddle said. "But to come out and gain valuable experience against a Division I squad like Belmont is huge for us down the road. We did some things well at times tonight and we will continue to improve as our year continues."

The RedHawks return to action versus another NCAA opponent on February 9 when they travel to NCAA Division II foe Alabama-Huntsville.

Belmont 7, Martin Methodist 0

Singles competition

1. Drew Hawkins (BELW) def. Skylar McDonald (MMC) 6-1, 6-0

2. Peyton Lee (BELW) def. Sina Albersmeier (MMC) 6-1, 6-3

3. Erin Allen (BELW) def. Michelle Blaha (MMC) 6-0, 6-0

4. Maria Plaksina (BELW) def. Miriam Sanchez (MMC) 6-1, 6-2

5. Sarah Brackin (BELW) def. Jennifer Wilson (MMC) 6-0, 6-0

6. Nikki Christiansen (BELW) def. Darby Tompkins (MMC) 6-2, 6-0

Doubles competition

1. Maria Plaksina/Terra Sheldon (BELW) def. Sina Albersmeier/Michelle Blaha (MMC) 6-2

2. Lauren Carelli/Erin Allen (BELW) def. Skylar McDonald/Miriam Sanchez (MMC) 6-0

3. Sarah Brackin/Mical Johnson (BELW) def. Darby Tompkins/Jennifer Wilson (MMC) 6-0