GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin women's tennis team opened the 2018 season on Thursday with a victory over Cornerstone. The Knights took home east beltline bragging rights with an 8-1 victory over the Golden Eagles.

"Today was a great start to the season," said head coach Kevin Van Haitsma. "It was nice to start the season with a victory. We had some good results on the courts today. We have a very young team, so it is always nice to get more experience playing in matches."

The freshman duo of Leah Newhof (Caledonia, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) and Madeline Brouwer (Hudsonville, Mich./Hudsonville) picked up the first point of the day for the Knights at No. 1 doubles. The Knights defeated Nicole VerHulst and Lauren Brendel, 8-0.

The Knights took care of business at No. 2 doubles. The team of senior Lark Foote (Okemos, Mich./Home school) and sophomore Anna Asfour (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) downed Marissa Hooker and Ana Hoezee, 8-1.

At No. 3 doubles, freshman Alexis Bonner (Alto, Mich./Forest Hills Central) and sophomore Brittney Statema (Holland, Mich./Holland Christian) secured the doubles sweep with an 8-3 victory over Sierra Griffith and Madeline Grose.

Madeline Brouwer brought out the brooms at No. 2 singles, defeating Marissa Hooker, 6-0, 6-0.

At No. 1 singles, Leah Newhof sank Lauren Brendel, 6-2, 6-0.

Anna Asfour was victorious at No. 3 singles, topping Ana Hoezee, 6-0, 6-0.

Lark Foote kept the winning streak alive with a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 4 singles over Sierra Griffith.

Alexis Bonner brought home victory at No. 5 singles, topping Madeline Grose, 6-1, 6-0.

Cornerstone won the final match of the day at court six.

The Knights will return to action on Feb. 16 against Aquinas.