WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University women's tennis team opened its 2013 spring season Saturday night with a 5-4 non-league victory over DII Shippensburg University.

Freshman Amber Lake gave the Hornets (1-0) the win by taking the final match of the night, winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 at No. 5 singles.

Shippensburg (0-6) had taken a 2-1 lead following the doubles and then extended its advantage to 3-1 with a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 6 singles before SU began its comeback.

Sophomore Shannon Allin, who had combined with freshman Molly Barb to win 8-2 in the top doubles match, earned a second victory on the evening with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Brittnee Buckley at No. 1 singles.

Freshman Amy Rapp dispatched Cassie Sidone 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3 singles to bring the match back to level.

Nos. 4 and 2 singles then ended virtually simultaneously, with Barb winning 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2 to make the score 4-4 after Rachel Gross was a 6-0, 6-2 loser at No. 4.

This set up Lake to play the hero, and the freshman converted, winning 6-4 in the third to give the hosts the win. Lake and her opponent, Hannah Wolfe, battled back and forth, with Lake up 5-3 and serving for the set.

After dropping a break to make it 5-4, Lake broke back again for the match as Wolfe double faulted on Lake's third match point.

Shenandoah is back in action in two weeks with another indoor match. The Hornets host Hood College on February 16 in a 6 p.m. non-league tilt.

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