FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College women's tennis team (2-9, 0-4 Commonwealth) lost to the visiting Messiah College Falcons (8-5, 3-1 Commonwealth) by a margin of 7-2 in a Commonwealth Conference matchup at the Hood Tennis Courts Wednesday.

Emily Maerz and Olivia Hosch started off on a strong note by defeating Erin Ipsen and Eileen Barker, 8-4, at first doubles to improve to 8-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.

Maerz then increased her singles record to 9-4 with a 6-2, 6-0 triumph over Ipsen for Hood's lone singles win of the match.

Hosch gave Molly Brubaker all she could handle at No. 2 before coming up just short, 6-3, 7-5. Sandra Dziadas took six games from Ellen Harpold at No. 3, while Mabie Tun and Aubrey Fetters won a game apiece at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Lauren Cevallos won three games at No. 6 versus Katelyn Clark and teamed with Fetters to put up a good fight at third doubles before falling 8-5.

Hood will next travel to Frostburg State University Thursday for a 4 p.m. nonconference match.