The Sweet Briar Tennis team traveled to Salem, Va. to take on conference foe Roanoke College (RC).

The Vixens had the lead of 2-1 going into singles play.  The teams of Leslie Polaski ('10/Amherst, Va.-Ellen Reid ('12/Germanton, N.C.) played offensively to win 8-3, and Jessica Draper('11/Farmville, Va.)-Stephanie Nance ('09/Moneta, Va.)  teamed up to take the win in a set tie-breaker at third doubles, 9-8 (2).  Virginia Edahl('10/Charlotte, N.C.)-Ebie Baker ('10/Farmville, Va.)  lost at first doubles by a tight score of 8-6.

Edahl stormed back to win handily in straight sets at first singles, 6-0, 6-2.  Polaski held her ground at third singles also winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1.

The rest of the Vixen squad struggled against the Maroons.  Nance adjusted at second singles, but it was too little too late and Roanoke took court two, 6-4,6-3.

First-year player Willis Blair (Richmond, Va.) played against a seasoned Roanoke player and settled into a good playing tempo, but couldn't outsteady her opponent.  Roanoke wins court five 6-0, 6-2.

The sixth singles court slipped away as Jessica Draper was beat in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.

Reid was the last court still on at a match score of 4-4.  She rallied tough at fourth singles to come up short losing 7-5, 6-2.

Final score:  Maroons 5, Vixens 4

The Vixens are scheduled to host Guilford College Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.