ALLENTOWN, PA- The Highlanders hit the road Saturday afternoon, traveling north on 476 to take on the Cedar Crest College Falcons in CSAC play. After a marathon-esque four hours plus of tennis, the Highlanders fell by one point, 5-4, to even their CSAC record at 1-1 on the season.
 
The Highlanders started off strong in doubles play, taking two of three points. The still undefeated powerhouse team of Kara Williams and Charlotte Allen made short work in the #3 match, winning 8-3 for the first point of the day. Allyssa Peters and Maya Neal came achingly close in the #1 spot, but fell 8-5. With the Highlanders missing their excellent #2 Bianca Birney, Ellie Santos stepped into the #2 doubles spot with Lauren Griffith. Santos and Griffith gutted out a huge tiebreak win 8-7 (8-6) to give Cairn their second doubles point of the afternoon.
 
Singles play started well for the Highlanders as Allyssa Peters and Charlotte Allen each picked up wins to bring Cairn within one point of their second conference victory. However, Cedar Crest fought back in front of their home crowd. The Falcons eked out victories in three singles matches to tie the score 4-4 with one match still to play. After a stressful doubles match, Santos found herself in the spotlight once again in singles play. After dropping the first set in a tiebreak 7-6 (7-5), the sophomore battled in the second to take a huge tiebreak win 7-6 (9-7). Showing incredible endurance to remain standing, let alone playing tennis- Santos forced a tiebreak in the third set. With the fifth hour of play rapidly approaching, Santos was simply outlasted by a fresh opponent who did not compete in doubles. The Highlanders lost the match, but showed their true colors as a gritty, talented squad that can compete with the CSAC's finest.
 
Cairn will travel to take on Rosemont College at 4:00 PM Wednesday night.