Rohnert Park, CA -- Back in action for this first time in 2010, the Academy of Art University women's tennis team got a strong performance from freshman Diane Phan at the number one position, but could not prevail in an 8-1 loss to Sonoma State at the Seawolf Courts this afternoon.

Phan had been moved up from the third slot to play at number one and she responded with an impressive 6-0, 6-1 triumph over SSU's Stephanie Luk. It was the very first singles match for Phan and Head Coach Dave Allen knows what it means to have this freshman start off the season on a winning note.

“One of our newest recruits, Diane Phan, had a sweet win at number one,” Coach Allen said. “Our number three player was able to step up and prevail so that was great!”

Junior Laone "Lala" Botshoma was unable defeat SSU's Haley Kickock at the number two position and fell 6-2, 6-4. In the third spot, sophomore Paola Correa Fe was bested by Jeanette Peck 6-2, 6-0. The fourth slot saw the Seawolves' Molly Maguire get past Maria "Belen" Tenorio in straight sets 6-0, 6-0. The team's lone senior, Anna Ritchie could not take the win in the fifth position after Stephanie Hoffmire took home a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Finally, singles play was rounded out by a 6-1, 6-0 loss for sophomore Cecilia Hedin in her match against Jessica Harris.

Although the Urban Knights put up strong efforts in doubles action, Sonoma State was able to come away with the sweep. At number one, Botshoma and Phan fell to Luk and Maguire 8-5. Correa Fe and Ritchie suffered the same fate in the second spot with an 8-4 result against Kickock and Harris. The third and final doubles match finished with Peck and Hoffmire in front of Hedin and Tenorio 8-4 as well.

The Urban Knights return to the courts this Friday, Feb. 5 when they take on Pacific West Conference opponent Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. AAU and the Argonauts face off at the Cañada College Tennis Courts with the match beginning at 1:00 PM.