Written by Chris Pendleton

ROANOKE, Va.—The Southern Virginia University women's tennis team opened its 2011-12 season on Monday with a 1-8 loss at Roanoke College.

Rachel Reid (Woodland, Utah) was the only Knight to earn a victory at Roanoke (1-0), winning the third-seeded singles match in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) as the Maroons took all three doubles matches from Southern Virginia (0-1) before claiming five of six singles matches.

"That was a very good team we lost to today," said fourth-year head coach Deidra Dryden following the loss. "We have a lot of work to do, but I have no doubt that we'll improve throughout the season. We have a great group that loves to work hard."

Women's tennis is off for two weeks before its next match with Lynchburg College on Tuesday, Sept. 27.