Lexington, Ky. – The Transylvania women's tennis team was edged out by the visiting Manchester University Spartans, 5 to 4 in its 2016 Senior Day match at Spindletop Hall on Saturday afternoon.

The Pioneers were bidding for one final conference win in its final Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference match of the year before the start of conference postseason play.

Manchester came back from a 2-1 deficit created by the Pioneers after doubles play to open up the proceedings. While Lilian Williams and Emily Fulkerson were beaten 8-0 in No. 1 singles, the Pioneers bounced back with sound wins in No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Mary Grace Amato and Lucy Herrington collaborated to power past Mariam Aly and Adriana Brown, 8-2 for the first win of the afternoon by Transylvania. Kearstin Bruther and Myriah Porter teamed up for a heady 8-4 victory in No. 3 singles action to carry the Pioneers closer to victory.

But Manchester answered back with straight-set wins in No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, and No. 6 singles to capture the win.

It was a happy afternoon for the lone Transylvania senior on the roster, Sophie Head. After receiving recognition and accolades prior to the match, Head went on to deliver an inspired three-set win against Victoria Rayner in No. 5 singles, taking a 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 win.

The other victory for the Pioneers came in No. 3 singles where Herrington picked up a 6-3, 6-2 against Katy Ashpole.

The HCAC Women's Tennis Championships lie ahead for the Pioneers before breaking for the winter and resuming their spring schedule in March.

For more on Transylvania women's tennis, follow their official twitter @TransyTennis