[March 16, 2007]

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – In a match postponed three days because of rain, Southern Arkansas still couldn’t overcome a tough Ouachita Baptist team, dropping a 6-3 decision Thursday at the SAU tennis complex. The loss snapped a five-match win streak by the Lady Muleriders, evening them at 8-8 on the season, but falling to 0-2 in Gulf South Conference play.

It looked good for Southern Arkansas following doubles play, as they claimed two of the three matches. Nelly Tualla and Caitlin Korensek took an 8-3 victory over Taru Fa and Estephanie Lau at number two doubles, and Aneeka Bhalla and Megan Phinny won 8-4 against Christy Gatzki and K. Potts at three. The Lady Muleriders’ number one team of Rachel Vinsant and Tami Chadick fell 8-1 to Catalina Cruz and Natalia Drada.

The Lady Tigers rebounded to win five singles matches, however, to claim the team victory. SAU’s lone win was a 6-2, 6-1 decision at six as Megan Phinny won out over Whitney Noechel. OBU’s Cruz defeated Vinsant at one (6-0, 6-1), Fa won at two over Tualla (6-1, 6-4), Drada beat Bhalla at three (6-1, 6-1), Lau got the victory at four against Chadick (6-1, 2-6, 6-1), and Gatzki beat Korensek (6-3, 7-6 (7-5)) at five.

Southern Arkansas resumes play at home this weekend, hosting Arkansas Tech in a non-conference match on Friday at 5 p.m. Saturday, the Lady Muleriders tangle with Henderson State at 9 a.m., and then square off against Southeastern Oklahoma State in a 1 p.m. match.

#SAU#