After winning five of their first seven games of the season, the Lady Lions (5-4, 0-2 in SLC) opened conference play with a pair of losses Saturday and Sunday versus Stephen F. Austin (11-2, 3-0 in SLC) and Sam Houston State (6-2, 2-0 in SLC).

Stephen F. Austin entered Saturday’s game ranked No. 60 in the country taking the 7-0 win over the Lady Lions. In the most heated doubles match, Lady Lion sophomore Laura Verges and freshman Adriana Castillo faced SFA’s Antonia Kolovou and Malena Gordo in a 8-6 set before sweeping the other two sets 8-2.

 “Stephen F. Austin has one of the most talented Southland teams since I’ve been here, and we played tough with them at several spots,” said head coach Jason Hayes.

In the singles match, senior Audrey Chelini battled SFA’s Elena Kordoliami in the first match losing 6 -7 (4-7), 7-6 (8-6), 10-7 as SFA went on to win the other five singles matches in straight sets.

Sunday, the Lady Lions were looking to earn their first win in conference play but fell at the hands of the SHSU Lady Bearkats 6-1. The Lady Lions opened the contest winless in doubles play, but Verges was the one bright spot in singles defeating Sheridan Currie 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 10-5 as the Lady Lions avoid a second consecutive shutout in as many days.

After the match on Sunday, Hayes graciously congratulated his victorious opponent.

 “Sam Houston State deserves a lot of credit. They were the better team today,” said Hayes.