LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis men's and women's tennis teams make quick trips to Mercyhurst and Bucknell this weekend. Both the men and women are scheduled to play Mercyhurst on Friday at 7 p.m. The Red Flash men will face Bucknell on Saturday at 6 p.m. while the Red Flash women play Bucknell on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
The Matchup: Saint Francis men (1-7) at Mercyhurst men (0-1) and Saint Francis women (2-5) at Mercyhurst women (0-1)
Location: Westwood Racquet Club (Erie, Pa.)
Date and Time: Friday at 7 p.m.

SCOUTING THE LAKERS
The Mercyhurst women have played in one match to begin the 2021 season, losing to St. Bonaventure last weekend by a 6-1 margin. Freshman Valentine Budin earned the Lakers' point, winning her No. 6 singles match in straight sets. Last season, the women finished 4-5 overall, winning both of its conference matches.
The Mercyhurst men also enter the match with a 0-1 record after falling to St. Bonaventure 6-1 last weekend. Senior Unai Amilleta Gonzalez won his No. 2 singles match 6-3 in straight sets to earn the point. Last season, the men held an even 4-4 record.

SERIES WITH THE LAKERS
Saint Francis and Mercyhurst met on both the women's and men's sides in 2020. The Red Flash women earned the 5-2 win against the Lakers but the Red Flash men fell by a 7-0 margin. The Saint Francis women earned victories at No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 singles and also earned the doubles point. Anouk Ma-Ajong won her No. 3 singles match by a 7-5 mark in straight sets. Romina Cutipa helped earn the doubles point with a 6-4 win at No. 2 doubles.
 

The Matchup: Saint Francis men (1-7) at Bucknell men (0-0) and Saint Francis women (2-5) at Bucknell women (0-0)
Location: Central PA Tennis Center (Williamsport, Pa.)
Date and Time: Saturday at 6 p.m. (men), Sunday at 1 p.m. (women)

SCOUTING THE BISON
Both the Bucknell men and women have had all of the previously scheduled matches canceled this season as this will serve as the season opener. Last season, the Bucknell women finished with a 6-3 record while the Bucknell men finished 6-7.
The Bison women's roster features three seniors, one junior, two sophomores and four freshmen. The men's roster has two seniors, two juniors, four sophomores and one freshman.

SERIES WITH THE BISON
Saint Francis and Bucknell met on both the women's and men's sides last season, with the Bison claiming both matches. The Red Flash men fell 5-2 while the women lost 6-1. Jordi Garcia and Christian Banti won their No. 5 and No. 6 singles matches in three sets each to earn the Saint Francis points. On the women's side, SFU picked up its point at No. 5 singles.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Red Flash women split the two matches last weekend, beating Western Illinois 5-2 before losing to Youngstown State 7-0. The Red Flash men also lost to YSU 7-0.

In the WIU match, Saint Francis earned all five points by sweeping the singles matches with four of those matches being decided in straight sets.
 
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To learn more about Saint Francis University, visit francis.edu.