ASHLAND, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women's tennis team defeated West Virginia State 5-2 on Saturday at the Ashland Tennis Center.

Bellarmine (6-1) handed West Virginia State (5-1) its first loss. The Knights secured the doubles point after junior Jennifer Skonieczny and sophomore Ava Ratcliff won 6-2 at No. 2, and sophomore Aubrey Smith and freshman Madison Devillez captured a 6-4 victory at No. 3.

Ratcliff gave Bellarmine a 2-0 lead after matching 6-2 scores at No. 4 singles, but West Virginia State knotted the match up after winning at Nos. 1 and 2. The Knights didn't have too much trouble from there, as Walroth (No. 3), Smith (No. 5) and Devillez (No. 6) all won in straight sets.

West Virginia State is ranked second in the Atlantic Region.

"It was a great team win," Knights Coach John Mican said. "We fought with a lot of heart."

Bellarmine hosts Alabama-Huntsville at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday at Advantage Tennis and Fitness in Louisville.

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