LOCKPORT, Ill. --- The University of St. Francis women's tennis team opened its spring season on Saturday by dropping a 6-1 decision to Bethel University (Ind.), which is among others receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll.

The Saints (0-1) were able to notch one doubles win with Anna Bintsarovskaya and Gabriella Noa teaming up for a 6-3 victory in the No. 1 position.  Bethel (13-7) won the other doubles match 6-0 and gained a default win in the No. 3 slot.

In singles action, Heather Heintz garnered USF's only point of the match with her come-from-behind 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-4) win at the No. 2 spot.

Noa came close to gaining her second win of the day at No. 1 singles.  She, however, fell 6-4, 7-5.

Bethel also won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 3 with the other three singles matches being default wins.

The Saints are back in action next Saturday when they open defense of their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference regular-season title with a 4 pm matchup against Roosevelt University at Challenge Fitness.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on Twitter @USFSaints.