Youthful women's tennis team loses season opener

STORM LAKE, Iowa – The Simpson women's tennis team suffered a 7-2 setback against Buena Vista in the season opener on Thursday.

The doubles team of Lauren Schemmel and Michelle Hartmann gave Simpson a point thanks to a 9-7 win over Haley Henrichs and Kassidy Ipsen at No. 1 doubles. Kelli Ehrhardt gave the Storm (0-1, 0-1 Iowa Conference) their second point by beating Tasha Nelson 6-1, 6-0 at No. 3 singles.

Simpson and sixth-year head coach Lindsay Chase feature a young squad in 2013-14 after losing five letterwinners – including the top three singles players – to graduation last season. Schemmel is the lone senior on the roster, which includes a junior, two sophomores and five freshmen who will be asked to fill roles right away.

Sophomores Hartman and Ehrhardt are the top returners in terms of wins, as Hartman went 15-9 and Ehrhardt went 14-9 in singles. Ehrhardt added a 16-10 mark in doubles competition, teaming with the now-graduated Lindsay Nash.

Simpson travels to Cedar Rapids on Saturday to take on St. Ambrose and Coe.