LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola Women's Tennis got another chance to face some NCAA Division II competition on Thursday afternoon as they hosted PacWest member Dixie State at the Biola Tennis Center.
 
The Trailblazers handed the Eagles a 7-2 loss in what was Dixie State's season-opening match. The loss drops the Eagles to 2-2, but there was plenty of good going at the court as BU managed a win a singles, a win at doubles and competed tough in a handful of other matchups.
 
"Overall, as a group this team has a lot of room for growth," said Head Coach David Goodman. "We can play at a higher level, but need to improve the fundamentals."
 
The highlight of the day was newcomer Tinisee Kandakai. Kandakai earned a 6-4; 6-4 win at No. 5 singles and also paired with Allison Torres to earn a convincing 8-5 victory at No. 3 doubles.
 
It was Kandakai and Torres' first doubles win as Biola Eagles in their first time playing together. Kandakai also improved to 2-0 in singles play.
 
"Tinisee and Allie played together at three doubles and got a win. This was the first time they played together and they meshed well," said Goodman. "The high point in the singles was definitely Tinisee's match. She is getting better every day and it's interesting to watch her improve with each match. She's super athletic and is able to adapt different styles of play."
 
Lauren Lee's singles match at No. 3 was another highlight of the match as it was definitely the most closely contested of the six singles matchups. Lee won the first set 7-5, fell to her opponent by the same score in the second and then couldn't pull out the victory in the breaker.
 
Her effort was apparent and it was a great test for the young player to grow early on this season.
 
The Eagles are back to it on Saturday at noon as they get back to Golden State Athletic Conference matches on the road at San Diego Christian College.