RALEIGH, N.C. – On Saturday afternoon, the Shaw University women's team opened the 2021 season after more than 10-month absence. The Lady Bears saw several contested matches, but it was junior Thandi Kololo (Gaborone, Botswana) who scored the first point for Shaw in a 6-1 loss to Catawba at Worthdale Park.

The Lady Bears (0-1) suffered three straight losses in doubles as the Indians (1-0) owned a 1-0 lead over Shaw heading into singles action.

While Kololo was the lone Shaw player to secure a win, defeating her opponent 1-6, 6-4, 12-10 in triumph at the No. 6 singles, sophomore Michelle Blaha (Entre Rios, Argentina) took her opponent to three sets before falling 2-6, 6-0, 2-6.

Shaw will return to action on Friday, Feb. 26 against Salem (WV). The match is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. from Worthdale Park.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw University athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit shawbears.com.