FLORENCE, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's tennis team lost a hard-fought 5-4 match at Francis Marion Sunday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 10-8 on the season and 3-5 in league play.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team jumped out to a 2-0 lead after doubles action. In doubles play, top-seeded Olivera Veskovac and Teresa Franco Dias tallied an 8-4 win. Third-seeded Elena Bompieri and Alice Neves teamed up for an identical 8-4 victory.

The Pacers pushed the score to 3-1 when Victoria Giannaccini tallied a 6-1, 6-2 win at the No. 4 spot. However, the home team took the lead after wins at No. 3, No. 1 and No. 2.

Trailing 4-3, Karina Blas evened the match with a three-set victory at the No. 5 spot. She posted a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory. However, the Patriots managed to secure the win at No. 6.

The Pacers return to action on Tuesday, Apr. 10 when they travel to Limestone. The match is slated for 2:30 p.m.