The Shippensburg University women's tennis team had a challenging week, facing off against regional rivals Shepherd and Lock Haven in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchups.

On Wednesday in their match against Shepherd, the Raiders put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short with a 4-3 road loss at the Shepherd Tennis Complex. Despite Shepherd claiming the Top 3 flights of singles and two of the three doubles flights, Shippensburg managed to secure victories in No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 singles. 

Freshman Rachel Gallagher stood out, rallying at No. 4 singles to win in three sets, claiming the tiebreaker 11-9 against Kayda Shives. Freshman Brinley Orris also delivered a decisive win at No. 5 singles, defeating Brianna Caceda 6-0, 6-2. Senior Brighid Cantwell contributed with a love-love victory at No. 6 singles over Alexus Vaughn, boosting her season record to 6-5. Cantwell and Gallagher proved to be a strong doubles team, securing a 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles. However, Shepherd's (5-10, 2-4) victories in No. 1 singles and No. 2 singles, along with wins in the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles flights, ultimately gave them the edge in the match.

This Saturday Shippensburg had its Senior Day matchup against Lock Haven. The Raiders (3-15, 1-4 PSAC East) honored their single senior, Brighid Cantwell, in a pre-match ceremony at Robb Sports Complex. Despite the celebration, the team faced another tough 4-3 loss to the Bald Eagles. 

Cantwell battled in a close match at No. 6 singles but fell 4-6, 6-7 to Alaina Marchioni. Sophomore Corinne Markovich, also recognized for her efforts, fought through a lingering injury in her match at No. 1 singles but ultimately lost in a tight 6-3, 2-6, 8-10 clash with Mia Shuler. Shippensburg found success in No. 3 through No. 5 singles, with junior Kendall Winters, freshman Rachel Gallagher, and freshman Brinley Orris securing wins. Winters defeated Mary Hillman 6-4, 6-3, Gallagher had a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over Christy McLean, and Orris battled to a 6-3, 6-4 victory against Olivia Sharp. However, Lock Haven (8-3, 2-3) claimed all three doubles flights, including a 5-7 win at No. 2 doubles against Winters and Orris. Olivia Anastos of Lock Haven also secured a 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles over junior Brooklynn Rupert.

Despite the setbacks, the Raiders are looking ahead to their final home game of the season against Millersville at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, aiming to finish the season strong.

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