AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's tennis team could not defeat an NCAA Division II opponent for the second time this week, losing 4-3 to the Flyers of Lewis University. The Gyrenes, who moved up to 26th in the nation (first among teams receiving votes) in the newest NAIA Coaches' Poll, split the six singles matches with Lewis, but were done in by the doubles point.

All three doubles matches were won by Lewis, allowing the Flyers to earn the critical first point. All three contests were won relatively decisively by the visitors, beginning with a 6-1 win by Tereza Pilzova and Jovana Vujanic at the number two spot. Joie Reisch and Alek Sredojevic clinched the point with a 6-2 win at the top spot, and the team of Sophie Davis and Agnes Florczyk completed the sweep with a 6-3 triumph at the third position.

Ave Maria got three wins in singles action, at the first, fifth, and sixth positions. Lara Teodoro won her eleventh singles match of the season, and her sixth in a row, with a 6-1, 7-5 victory at the number one spot. Aethielle Kelkboom defeated her opponent, 6-4, 6-4, at the number five position, and Nadia Mangelsdorff completed the action for the day with a 6-3, 6-3 win at the sixth spot.

Lewis won two of their three singles matches in straight sets - victories by Reisch and Vujanic at the third and fourth positions, respectively. The number two match between Sredojevic and Julia Candiotto was decisive in the contest. Candiotto won the first set, 7-6, and Sredojevic responded with a 6-4 win in the second. With the contest on the line, the Flyer added to the total with a 6-4 win in the third.

The third of Ave Maria's streak of games against Division II opponents comes on Saturday, when the Gyrenes take on the Tritons of Eckerd College. Eckerd currently holds a 5-5 record, and defeated Davis and Elkins College, their only common opponent with AMU, 5-2. (The Gyrenes defeated Davis and Elkins 7-0). Opening serve at the AMU Tennis Facility is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.