WINONA, Minn. – It wasn't the home opener the Warriors had hoped for, but the young Winona State University tennis team showed plenty of upside in a competitive 4-3 loss in a non-conference match to begin the 2019 season against the College of Saint Benedict.

Using the new Division II scoring system, the Warriors fell behind, 1-0, after the trio of doubles matches came to an end. Freshman Beth Murman and her teammate Kaisey Skibba won at doubles No. 1, 6-2. WSU played competitive matches at doubles No. 2 and 3, but were unable to come away with those wins.

Murman's impressive debut continued with a 6-4, 6-3 victory at singles No. 1. Juniors Tayla Card (No. 4) and Kendra Kappes (No. 2) were also winners, each doing so in dominant fashion.

Skibba dropped a tough 6-4, 6-4 match at singles No. 3 and freshman Faith Young was on the wrong end of a competitive 7-6, 5-4 match at No. 5. Caitlin Anderson didn't go down without a fight either at No. 6, falling by a 6-2, 11-9 count.

The Warriors are back home at the Winona Tennis Center next weekend to host Minnesota State Mankato on Friday, Feb. 8 to open conference play. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.