MANCHESTER, Conn.-The Fairfield University women's tennis team (2-9) closed out its 2026 non-conference dual match schedule with a tight 4-3 loss versus the Sharks of Long Island University (2-5).  Wednesday's action took place at the Magic Lincer Tennis Club in Manchester, Connecticut.

Fairfield got off to a good start on Wednesday taking the doubles point, as the combination of Maria Gell and Anna Neyestani swept their match at number, 6-0, and the duo of Maeve Cassidy and Sophia Harris clinched the point with a 6-4 victory at number three.  The tandem of Sarah Liu and Nicolette Loeffler led their match at number two, 5-4, but the match was left unfinished with the doubles point decided.

In singles action, Nicolette Loeffler won her match in straight sets play at number four, 6-2, 6-0.  The Stags' other singles triumph against the Sharks came in the number five position, as Maria Gell took a third-set super tiebreaker, 10-7, after she fell in the opening set, 4-6, and took set number two 6-1.

A pair of Fairfield players went down to defeat in third-set super tiebreakers, as Anna Neyestani fell in the top singles flight, 3-6, 6-2, 0-1 (7-10), and Sarah Liu was defeated at number three, 6-3, 2-6, 0-1 (8-10).

Up next, the Stags are slated to open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at home on Tuesday, March 24 when the Rider University Broncos come to the Walsh Athletic Center Courts for a 12 noon match.