The Hillsdale College women's tennis team got its annual Florida spring break trip off to an encouraging start on Sunday, battling host Palm Beach Atlantic to the end in a tight 4-3 loss.

The Chargers' top two players both came through in a big way for Hillsdale. Senior Sarah Hackman and junior Melanie Zampardo teamed up for a 6-3 victory at No. 1 doubles over the Sailfish, then each won their singles matches individually for Hillsdale. Hackman took a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Svea Crohn at No. 1 singles in an impressive win for the Chargers, while Zampardo rallied from a first-set defeat to triumph over the Sailfish's Alina Hoermann 4-6, 6-2, 10-8 in a big victory as well.

Hillsdale also got an impressive straight-sets victory at No. 3 singles, as senior Canela Luna pulled off a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Greta Langiu of Palm Beach Atlantic as well to give the Chargers a third point. 

The fourth and match-clinching point, however, proved elusive for the Chargers as Hillsdale fell in the other two doubles matches to concede the doubles point, and Palm Beach Atlantic picked up wins at 4, 5 and 6 singles to clinch a close match. 

Hillsdale will play again on Monday with a tough match against the third-ranked team in the nation, Nova Southeastern, in its final tune-up before G-MAC play begins this weekend.

Photo by Isabella Sheehan