SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University women's tennis team played its first home match of the 2018 season on Friday, topping Catholic University of America, 8-1, at the Salisbury University Indoor Tennis Center.

The Sea Gulls began the day by sweeping the three doubles matches. Salisbury took the first two points in quick order with sophomore Jordan Schaefer and freshman Sydney Soto collecting an 8-2 win at No. 1, with senior Sage Cole and junior Taylor Cooper following quickly at No. 2 with an 8-3 victory.

The longest match of doubles play came at No. 3 where junior Shannon Hickman and freshman Ariana Leggio trailed 2-1 before coming back and winning seven of the next nine games for an 8-4 win and the 3-0 team lead.

Singles play saw the Sea Gulls (2-1) roll, as well, with Soto picking up the first point, cruising to a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 3.

Sophomores Julia Kwedi and Annika Kezman earned straight-set wins at the top of the order with Kwedi's 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 2 sealing the team victory. She led the opening set 3-2 before claiming the final nine games to pick up the win. Kezman won at No. 1 by a 6-2, 6-3 score, also pulling away from a narrow 3-2 lead in the opening set to head to her victory.

Schaefer picked up a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 4 before Salisbury got its final point from sophomore Kayla Allen, winning 6-3, 6-2 at No. 6. At No. 5, freshman Marina Kaiafas was able to win the first set of her match 6-2, but dropped the final two sets 6-4 and 10-8.

The Sea Gulls return to action on Sunday, February 25, hosting Bridgewater (Va.) University, beginning at 9 a.m.