NEWBURGH, N.Y. - The Bard College women's tennis team opened the 2019-20 season with a 5-4 victory over Mount St. Mary College on Friday.

Newcomers to the team played a major role in giving new coach Rogé Nesbitt a victory in her Bard debut.

Freshman Diana McCready teamed with Katie Esposito for the first time and the duo cruised at No. 1 doubles, 8-1. Katri Shields teamed up with another freshman, Nico Gusac, and they prevailed at No. 2 doubles, 8-3. Duhita Das and freshman Mia Chan lost a tight one at No. 3, 8-6, so Bard had a 2-1 lead entering the singles portion of the match.

Esposito, Shields and Gusac clinched the match for Bard with victories at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 singles, respectively, all in straight sets.

It was Bard's third straight win over Mount St. Mary in the first meeting between the former Skyline Conference rivals since September of 2016.

The Raptors will get right back on the court on Saturday, hosting Hartwick at 1 p.m.