GRANTHAM, Pa. - Despite the cold temperature and high winds, the Messiah College women's tennis team picked up their sixth-straight win on Thursday evening. The Falcons hosted Eastern University and defeated the Eagles 9-0 and moved to 8-5 overall.

Kelly Hopkins and Kaitlyn Russell led the way in doubles action with an 8-4 win over the Eagles. Carly Dove and Emily Wichert (no. 2 doubles) were tested but pulled out an 8-6 victory over their opponents. Sarah Summerson and Gabby Brooks (no. 3) also won 8-6 after a hard fought battle.

In singles action, Gabby Brooks (no. 6) got things started with a lopsided 6-2, 6-0 win and Carly Dove (no. 3) was close behind with a 6-1, 6-2 win. Emily Wichert was steady at the number four singles position and defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-3. Sarah Summerson dominated in her first set and won 6-0, but was tested in her second set. She was able to pull ahead and the end and win 7-5. Kelly Hopkins (no. 1) and Kaitlyn Russell (no. 2) both had highly competitive singles' matches. Hopkins won her first set 7-5 (7-4), but dropped her second set 2-6. The deciding set consisted of back-and-forth action and Hopkins was able to secure a 10-8 victory to win her match. Kaitlyn Russell showed a lot of fight in her match after dropping her first set 3-6. Russell came back and won set two 6-2 and battled in the third set to pull out a 7-5 win in the number two spot.

Messiah will be back in action on Saturday, Apr. 21 when they travel to Arcadia University. Match time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.