FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College women's tennis team (0-1) dropped a 7-2 decision to the visiting St. Mary's College (Md.) Seahawks (1-0) Friday afternoon in the inaugural match at Hood's new tennis complex on campus.

Hood students, staff and faculty gathered prior to the match for a dedication ceremony for the tennis complex, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by director of athletics Gib Romaine, assistant tennis coach and director of corporate relations and giving Suzie Smith, vice president for institutional advancement Nancy Gillece '81 and Hood president Dr. Ron Volpe. In addition, former tennis coach and current Hood history professor Dr. Len Latkovksi and first-year head coach Tim Halter engaged in a ceremonial "first volley" on the courts. Click here for a photo gallery of the dedication ceremony.

The match between the Seahawks and Blazers commenced at 3:30 p.m. Maerz and doubles partner Olivia Hosch earned Hood's first point by defeating Shannon Ramsey and Emily Stumpfig at first doubles, 8-2. Maerz then swept Ramsey in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, for Hood's lone point in singles play. After falling behind at sixth singles 6-0 after the first set, newcomer Aubrey Fetters had a nice comeback against Chelsea Bradcovich but came up just short in the second, 6-4.

The Blazers entertain two more opponents, Chowan University and McDaniel College, in a tri-match Sunday, Sept. 23 beginning at 9 a.m.