New Orleans, LA - The Hope International women's tennis team (2-7) dropped their opening game of the Dillard Tournament as they fell 4-0 to the Xavier University Louisiana Gold Rush on Thursday morning on the road in New Orleans, LA.

The Gold Rush quickly took the doubles point as Catrina Hibbard and Melody Kilonzo fell 6-0 and Eva Echeverri and Merrit Dubourdieu fell 6-1. The Royals tried to get a point in singles but lose all three matches with Echeverri falling 6-1, 6-0 while Elli Black lost 6-2, 6-0 and Nicole Escamillo lost 6-1, 6-2. None of the other Royals started their single matches as they fell 4-0.

The Royals return to action tomorrow Friday, March 21 at the Dillard Tournament at 8:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM CT as they take on No. 8 Loyola in New Orleans, LA.