WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Metropolitan State University of Denver jumped out to the lead by taking the doubles point, but Southern Arkansas rallied for four singles victories to pick up a 4-1 win Sunday in a tennis dual.
"I thought we came out really strong in doubles," MSU Denver coach
Josh Graetz said. "It was nice to see us execute what we have been working on. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough going into singles."
Tabitha Porter (Auckland, New Zealand/Northcote College) and
Helena Steenberg (Skodsborg, Denmark/Naerum Gymnasium, Naerum, Denmark) combined to win their No. 1 doubles match, while
Eliza McKean (Buderim, Queensland, Australia/Sunshine Coast Grammar School) and
Olivia Kaiser (Aachen, Germany/Bischoefliches Gymnasium St. Ursula, Geilenkirchen) did the same at No. 3 as the Roadrunners clinched the doubles point.
But the Muleriders won the first four singles matches that were completed to end the dual.
Porter was leading her No. 1 singles match, while Steenberg was down a set but tied 3-3 in the second when the dual was ended.
"We still have lots to work on, and I'm excited to get back on the practice court this week," Graetz said.
Southern Arkansas 4, MSU Denver 1
Doubles
- Tabitha Porter (Auckland, New Zealand/Northcote College)/Helena Steenberg (Skodsborg, Denmark/Naerum Gymnasium, Naerum, Denmark) (MSUD) def. Aurora Novati/Simone Simas 6-2
- Joanna Nowakowska/Angela Vargas (SAU) def. Alex Pessoa (Denver, Colo./Home-schooled)/Ainsley Winterrowd (Lacey, Wash./North Thurston) 6-2
- Eliza McKean (Buderim, Queensland, Australia/Sunshine Coast Grammar School)/Olivia Kaiser (Aachen, Germany/Bischoefliches Gymnasium St. Ursula, Geilenkirchen) (MSUD) def. Serena Gill/Lena Milosevic 6-2
Singles
- Porter (MSUD) vs. Novati 6-2, 1-4 (unfinished)
- Nowakowska (SAU) def. Pessoa 6-1, 6-0
- Vargas (SAU) vs. Steenberg 6-4, 3-3 (unfinished)
- Simas (SAU) def. McKean 6-0, 6-0
- Milosevic (SAU) def. Kaiser 6-4, 6-2
- Gill (SAU) def. Winterrowd 6-2, 6-1
