HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word women's tennis team was dealt a 4-3 defeat on Friday afternoon at Southland Conference rival Sam Houston State at the McAdams Center.
The match came down for the final four singles matches that all went the distance to three sets. The Bearkats (4-9, 2-6) jumped out to an early lead in the match over the Cardinals (4-16, 0-9).
Sam Houston State won all three doubles matches and then Imke Jagau made it 2-0 after a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 2 singles. UIW got a point back when Ivana Katavic (Split, Croatia) won in straight sets at No. 1 singles, 6-4, 7-5.
The Bearkats maintained a one point lead after the next two matches concluded. Natalie Petaia knocked off Jennifer Betancourt (Valencia, Venezuela/La Salle Guaparo) 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 at No. 3. Andi Botha picked up an important point for UIW with her 0-6, 6-4, 7-2 (2) win over Kayla Stevenson at No. 4.
In the final two matches, the player who won the first set was unable to hold on for the victory. Kelsey Reblin won 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 for the Cardinals at No. 6 while Karen Martinez clinched the team match for the Bearkats with her 6-7, 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 5.
The Cardinals are back in action on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Oral Roberts.
Singles competition |
1. Ivana Katavic (UIW) def. Olivia Battye (SHSU) 6-4, 7-5 |
2. Imke Jagau (SHSU) def. Sarah Savedra (UIW) 6-2, 6-3 |
3. Natalie Petaia (SHSU) def. Jennifer Betancourt (UIW) 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 |
4. Andi Botha (UIW) def. Kayla Stevenson (SHSU) 0-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) |
5. Karen Martinez (SHSU) def. Taryn Strahl (UIW) 6-7, 6-3, 6-1 |
6. Kelsey Reblin (UIW) def. Isabella Costa (SHSU) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
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