HARMAR, Pa. (Feb. 23, 2012) – Rookies combined for two match wins on Wednesday, but it wasn't enough to push the Saint Francis U. to a team win.  The Red Flash ended up falling to Duquesne, 6-1.

Nuria Valls (Durango, Mexico/Colegio Guadiana LaSalle) teamed with fellow freshman Shivani Patel (Leicestershire, England/Repton School) to steal a, 9-8 (3), victory at no. 2 doubles and scored the only Flash point of the night with a win over Paula Gruber at no. 4 singles.

"Picking up no. 2 doubles and no. 4 singles showed us that we can compete well with these more established teams,” said SFU head coach Paul Tobin.  “The Duquesne women came out strong, hitting hard balls from the first point.”

“It's going to be difficult to pick up wins at no. 1 and no. 2 singles spots,” explained Tobin.  “Usually these positions are reserved for experienced players.”

He continued: “Freshman Valls is not able to play her proper lineup position and is struggling. Jasso continues to record wins at her position and Patel almost pulled off her win at no. 3.”

The Red Flash open up Northeast Conference play on Sunday at Quinnipiac.