THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran women's tennis opened the season on Sunday afternoon and came up just short against the No. 35 UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs 5-4. 

The Regals started the season at home and then will be on the road for the next six games. 

The dual began with doubles and the Regals took the early 2-1 lead. Carmen Bufkin and Anya Rajan competed at the No. 1 spot and picked up an 8-6 win. Kylee Limpias and Maddy Ford were in the No. 3 spot and won 8-4. It was a nailbiter at the No. 2 spot as Luisa Garcia and Gerda Jucys fell 8-7(7-4). 

In singles, Bufkin showed her dominance and won 6-0, 6-3 at the No. 1 spot. Bufkin competed at the NCAA Championship last season. Kayla Kling won her singles match at the No. 6 spot with 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. 

The Banana Slugs won the other four singles matches and took the dual. Garcia fell 6-3, 4-6, 0-6 at the No. 2, Ford was defeated 0-6, 2-6 at the No. 3, Limpias lost 4-6, 1-6 at the No. 4, and Rajan was defeated 6-7(5), 3-6 at the No. 5. 

The Regals are back in action on Friday and are on the road at Puget Sound. The time of the match is TBA.