ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's tennis programs lifted the lid on a three-match weekend Friday at the Seidel-Swagerty Tennis Center, as the women's team earned a 5-4 win over Texas A&M University – Texarkana.
The Eagles did not leave empty-handed though, earning a 9-0 shutout on the men's side.
"We came out to play some ball against Texarkana," said McMurry head coach Chris Breaux. "The girls were able to clinch the match as Bridgette Fly walked away with the fifth match. The guys played well, but could not close out. We're looking to ride this wave into our first West Division match against Concordia (Texas) tomorrow."
Women's Tennis: McMurry 5, Texarkana 4
The War Hawks (4-7) swept the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, parlayed with a withdrawal at the No. 3 spot.
Hope Turner and Hannah DeFriend battled tough against Marie Peters and Lydia Oviedo in the top flight, grinding out an 8-7 win. With the Eagles surging, Turner and DeFriend clinched the final point as the latter smashed one into the concrete to win it.
On the next court over, McKenzie Carroll and Andrea Smith were able to win 8-4 over Natalie Scott and Kassie Newton.
With a withdrawal at No. 6 singles and three points already in hand, McMurry needed just one singles win to take the match. They got that win from Bridgette Fly, who fell in the first set and bounced back for a dramatic 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-2) victory.
Texarkana (8-5) won the other four singles matches.
Men's Tennis: Texarkana 9, McMurry 0
Despite not earning any points Friday, McMurry (2-10) had some competitive matches on the men's side.
The top two doubles matches each ended in narrow margins, as the team of Chase Daniell and Reid Smith fell in an 8-7 heartbreaker at No. 1 doubles. Dylan Bryant and Connor Hogan also had a valiant effort in No. 2 doubles, falling 8-6.
The top two singles matches also sparked competition, as Daniell forced Alejandro Oviedo into an extended first set in the top flight before falling 7-5, 6-0. Smith also played close with Kevin Tsati-Onla in the second flight, falling 6-4, 6-4.
With the win, Texarkana improved to a 10-4 record.
On Deck
The War Hawks remain at home tomorrow as they open American Southwest Conference divisional play against defending men's champion Concordia Texas at 10 a.m.
