BELMONT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey women's tennis team kicked off another busy week on the court by opening with a match against Columbus State Tuesday afternoon at the Reidy Tennis Center.

Alexis Burkhalter won a match and three others went to a decisive third set but it was the Cougars who came away with a 6-1 victory over The Abbey.

Burkhalter defeated Agostina Bigotti in a 6-3, 6-3 victory in No. 5 singles to lead the way for the Crusaders.

Belmont Abbey opens Conference Carolinas play Wednesday with a home match against King starting at 2 p.m. from the Reidy Tennis Center.