Elmira, NY - The Utica College women's tennis team faced off against Empire 8 opponent Elmira College for the first day of competition in the 2017 season. The Pioneers lost, five matches to four. The team begins the season with a record of 0-1 overall and in conference play. 

In the second singles match, Julianne Pieros (Alpha, NJ/Phillipsburg) defeated Elmira's Eliza Johnson in three sets with scores of 6-4, 4-6, and 7-5. In fifth singles, UC's Shannon Fillmore (Somerset, NJ/Franklin) took down her opponent with scores of 6-0 and 6-2 to earn the win. 

Lulu Zhang (Wenzhou, China/Newcomers) continues her impressive play from last season as she earned wins in third singles and second doubles on the day. Individually, Zhang won in two sets by scores of 6-0 and 6-2. Then when Zhang teamed up with Julianne Pieros (Alpha, NJ/Phillipsburg), the two earned the 8-4 victory in the second doubles match.

The Pioneers will return to action on September 6th, as they travel to face E8 rival Hartwick (1-0, 1-0 E8). The match is set to begin at 4 p.m.