HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Regionally-ranked Salem's top-heavy lineup compensated for not filling out at the bottom in a 5-2 win over the Kutztown University women's tennis team on Sunday afternoon at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.

Catherine Maher (Shillington, Pa./Berks Catholic), a sophomore from nearby Shillington, outlasted Rose Godard in a 10-point third set tiebreaker to win at fifth singles 6-3, 5-7, 10-8 for the Golden Bears' (1-5).

The Tigers, ranked third in the Oracle/ITA Atlantic Region Preseason Poll, defaulted at sixth singles and third doubles, but overcame those vacancies behind the play of three regionally-ranked individuals and a regionally-ranked doubles duo.

Alicia Pursell (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg) and Elyssa Tomczyk (Plainville, Conn./Plainville) challenged Shivani Kaligotla and Iryna Rusyn at second doubles before falling 6-3 as Salem (2-0) earned the doubles point up for grabs. Ana Kunic and Karolina Glowinska, ranked eighth in the region, registered a 6-0 sweep at first doubles.

Salem's put the match away with straight set wins in the top four singles flights. Kunic, ranked sixth in the region, won 6-4, 6-1 at No. 1; Glowinska (No. 2) claimed a 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 2; and Kaligotla (No. 19) also picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 3. Rusyn didn't drop a game at fourth singles in a 6-0, 6-0 triumph.

Another ranked opponent from the Atlantic Region awaits KU on Monday. The Golden Bears will face No. 7 West Liberty back at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort beginning at 8:30 a.m.