The Grinnell College women's tennis team dropped a 9-0 decision at nationally-ranked Carleton College Sunday in a regional battle Sunday.

Carleton, the No. 29 team in the nation and ranked fifth in the Central Region, improved to 9-4. The Pioneers, rated 13th regionally, suffered their first loss in 2011-12 and are now 18-1.

Two Grinnell singles players brought their matches to three sets, as Laura Krull '13 lost 4-6, 6-0, 10-6 at No. 3 and Hanna Feldman '14 fell 6-3, 6-7, 10-4 at No. 6.

“I thought we played pretty well today on the road against a very talented Carleton team,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “While they are in the middle of their full spring season we are just getting going, so the difference in scores may have been due to a little more sharpness on the part of the Carleton players.

“Going against a nationally-ranked team, it was great for us to win a couple of sets in singles,” he added. “Laura played very well in her first set. Her execution was strong and she had an understanding of her opponent's weaknesses. I was also pleased with Hanna's play. Overall, her match was the closest we had on the court. She continues to be a very strong player at the bottom of our lineup and as we move through the spring season we'll need her success.

“As for doubles, it was good but could have been better,” Hamilton continued. “I liked the way we moved on the court, but we need more consistency. Hopefully that will come as we move on through the spring.”

The Pioneers host Coe College on Saturday.