COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College women's tennis team opened the 2023 season on Wednesday, falling to Augusta University 6-1 at Southeast Park.
 
Augusta won all three doubles matches to earn the doubles point.
 
In singles action, Benedict freshman Valerie Essome picked up a 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles over Augusta's Madeline Frediani. Patricia Wamba had a tough battle at No. 3 singles, dropping a close three-set match that went to a pair of tiebreakers. Augusta's Carlota Costa defeated Wamba 6-7 (7-2), 6-3, 7-6 (10-5).
 
Benedict returns to action on Saturday, traveling to Sumter to take on USC Sumter and The Citadel.