The third-ranked Emory University women's tennis team came up short against Columbus State University on Saturday, as the Eagles dropped an 8-1 decision to their 12^thranked Division II opponent at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

The Eagles' only match win of the day came in the fourth singles match, as freshman Catharine Harris defeated Madeline Johnson in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. 

Emory's singles players battled tough throughout the day, suffering three three-set defeats.  Sophomore Gabrielle Clark lost 7-5, 1-6, 7-5 in the first singles match, senior Zahra Dawson dropped a 5-7, 7-6 (8), 6-4 decision in the third singles contest, and freshman Lauren Pinsky suffered a 5-7, 6-4, 10-4 loss in the fifth singles contest.

Clark and Dawson lost a close match in the first doubles contest, 9-7, to their counterparts from Columbus State.  Sophomores Malavika Padmanabhan and Brenna Kelly were defeated 8-5 in the second doubles contest, while junior Jordan Wylie and freshman Danielle Truitt also fell by an 8-5 score in the third doubles match.

Although the match was started on the WoodPEC's outdoor courts, play was forced indoors after rain moved into the Atlanta area.

With the loss, Emory dropped to 0-2 on the season, while Columbus State improved to 3-0.  The Eagles will return to action on Sunday, playing a doubleheader against Huntingdon College at 11:00 AM and Agnes Scott College at 2:00 PM at the Woodruff P.E. Center.