BUCKHANNON, W.Va. -- The Fairmont State University women's tennis team faced West Virginia Wesleyan College in the Mountain East Conference opener. The Falcons defeated the Bobcats, 5-2.

In doubles action, the Falcons picked up one victory but trailed after the opening point. Maria Fonseca and Stephanie Gopar secured a strong 6-3 win at No. 2, while Hope Backx and Lara Smith battled at the top spot but fell 6-2. The No. 3 pairing of Alara Akgul and Laura Maciel also dropped a 6-2 decision, giving Wesleyan the early edge.

The Falcons surged by winning five of the six singles matches in convincing fashion. Fonseca led the charge at No. 1 with a composed 6-4, 6-4 victory, while Backx followed with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 2. Gopar continued the momentum at No. 3, grinding out a straight-set win, and Smith added another point at No. 4 with a 6-1, 6-4 performance.

At the bottom of the lineup, Akgul was dominant at No. 6, cruising to a 6-2, 6-1 victory. Laura Maciel pushed her match to a tiebreak at No. 5 but ultimately came up just short in a competitive contest.

Fairmont State (8-5, 1-0) returns home to face West Virginia State University on Saturday, April 4. Start time is set for 1:00 p.m.