Hickory, N.C.----The 30th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs began their conference slate with an 8-1 victory over the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne University in South Atlantic Conference women’s tennis action Tuesday afternoon. The preseason SAC favorites improve to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the SAC. The Bears fall to 0-2 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

The Wingate women swept through doubles action, starting with an 8-0 win in number one doubles by junior Ali Evers (Roswell, Ga.) and sophomore Becca Thomas (Alpharetta, Ga.). Sophomore Tiffany Williams (Cary, N.C.) teamed with freshman Caroline Holland (Spartanburg, S.C.) for an 8-3 win in number two singles, while an 8-2 win in number three doubles from sophomores Morgan Winston (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Sarah Martin (Chardon, Ohio) gave the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead heading to singles play.

Evers cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win in number one singles, while Holland added a 6-3, 6-0 victory at number two singles. Thomas won 6-0, 6-3 in number three singles, while Williams won 6-1, 6-1 at number five singles. Senior Helen Goreski (Oakville, Ontario) added a 6-0, 6-1 win at number six singles to give the Bulldogs the 8-1 victory.

The Bulldogs return to action Thursday, traveling to Belmont Abbey for a 2:30 p.m. start.