The first weekend in October, while Binghamton University welcomes back its alumni, the Binghamton women’s tennis team will welcome Siena for its first dual match of the year.

The Bearcats look to continue their solid fall season this Saturday in their second home event of the year. They face a Siena team, however, that has talent and returns Sarah Mayer, their No. 1 player from last year’s team. The Bearcats defeated Siena 6-1 at this same stage last fall and look to repeat that feat this year. Despite last year’s results, many of the matches were close and highly competitive.

‘Siena is a good team,’ said BU head coach Mike Stevens, adding that the Saints have a solid roster and that he does not want his team to overlook the Siena team as it looks forward to ITA Regionals. ‘They’ve won the MAAC [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] a couple of years in a row. We played them close last year, I expect a tough match. That’s a good thing because playing a good team is the best way to get better.’

Siena may be a good team, but Binghamton is surely the favorite to win this dual match. BU’s three freshmen, Anna Edelman, Lauren Bates and Julia Smirnova, are a combined 23-2 in singles play so far this year and are quickly earning a reputation for disposing of their opponents with ease. Bates and sophomore Danyelle Shapiro have yet to lose a single match.

The Bearcats have looked very sharp in the fall season and all indications point to a good weekend against Siena. The match will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the West Gym courts.