HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas staged their first home tennis matches in program history Saturday, as both teams hosted Southwestern at the Memorial Park Tennis Courts.

Both Celt teams faced tough opponents, as the Southwestern women were ranked 22nd nationally in Division III by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, while the SU men were ranked No. 30.

The Celt men fell to Southwestern by a score of 8-1, while the women fell 9-0.

On the men's side, Quashi "Ayo" Philips continued his winning ways, as he claimed a victory in flight four singles play over Dean Dulthummon by scores of 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

Flight one saw UST's Juanrodrigo Lopez give a strong showing against Alexis Dimanche, who ultimately prevailed 6-3, 6-4. Michael Hopkins also gave his opponent a good game in flight three, with SU's Alexander Joseph winning 6-4, 6-3.

In flight five, Jace Ware forced an extra point in the first set as he fell to Steven Tibbetts by scores of 7-5, 6-2. Ware and Race Haas were teammates in doubles flight two, and also had a long match before Joseph and Dulthummon claimed an 8-6 victory.

In the women's match, Alejandra Lopez and Ana Maria Gonzalez turned in a strong performance in an 8-7 setback to Mary Cardone and Emma Kesterson in doubles flight one. Gonzalez also took a set from Esther Bowers in flight two singles play before Bowers won 6-7, 6-4, 10-5.

The tennis teams return to action Saturday when they visit Schreiner in Kerrville, Texas.