WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University women's tennis team continued CCIW play on Sunday afternoon at home, dropping a 5-1 decision to Carthage College.

The Firebirds claimed all three doubles matches to take an early lead. At No. 1 doubles, the pairing of Nawal Souki and Katherine Trifilio battled against Kamila Dobija and Niki Manojlovic before falling 6-2. Mia Franke and Gracie Niebler were defeated 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, while Madison Siminski and Megan Trifilio pushed the No. 3 doubles match to a tiebreak before coming up just short, 7-6 (7-2). 

Carroll's lone point came in singles play from Franke at the No. 3 position. After dropping the opening set 6-2, the sophomore regrouped and controlled the remainder of the match, earning a straight-set victory over Dobija by identical 6-2 scores. 

At No. 1 singles, Katherine Trifilio faced a tough challenge against Manojlovic, falling 6-2, 6-3. Niebler competed at No. 4 singles, while Souki and Siminski represented the Pioneers at the fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Megan Trifilio's No. 2 singles match was not completed due to the weather and match already decided, with her falling in the first set 6-4, but holding a 3-2 edge in the second.

Despite the setback, Carroll showed resilience throughout the afternoon, highlighted by Franke's comeback victory and a tightly contested doubles match at the No. 3 spot. The Pioneers will look to build on those performances as they continue conference action this Friday as they travel to Augustana to take on the Vikings at 3:30.