[February 26, 2008]

By: Houston Taylor

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas was finally able to open the spring portion of its 2008 tennis season Tuesday, but fell 6-3 in a non-Gulf South Conference match to Harding (6-2) at the SAU tennis complex.

The Lady Muleriders (0-1) were supposed to have opened play on February 1 in a dual match against Henderson State and Christian Brothers, but those matches were postponed.

The Lady Bisons came into today’s match ranked 38th in the nation and fourth in the South Region. Still, Southern Arkansas played its closest match against HU since a 6-3 loss in the 2004 season.

SAU’s matches against Henderson State and Christian Brothers had been rescheduled for Friday in Arkadelphia, but have been postponed again. Barring any additions to the schedule, Southern Arkansas’ next action will be March 12 in Russellville against Arkansas-Fort Smith and a non-conference match with Arkansas Tech. Those matches are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

Harding vs. Southern Arkansas
Date: Feb. 26, 2008 Location: Magnolia, Ark.
Coaches: David Elliott, Wayne Garner

Doubles
1. Williams/Gomes (HU) def. Vinsant/Bhalla (SAU), 2-8
2. Ocanas/Korensek (SAU) def. Golik/Orgain (HU), 8-3
3. Gara/Turnbow (HU) def. Gonzalez-Dorado/Grigsby, 0-8

Singles
1. Alicia Williams (HU) def. Meaghan Ocanas (SAU), 2-6, 0-6
2. Karina Gomes (HU) def. Rachel Vinsant (SAU), 3-6, 1-6
3. Ana Gonzalez-Dorado (SAU) def. Haniel Gara (HU), 6-1, 6-3
4. Caitlin Korensek (SAU) def. Katherine Golik (HU), 6-4, 6-3
5. Katy Turnbow (HU) def. Aneeka Bhalla (SAU), 3-6, 2-6
6. Janet Orgain (HU) def. Brooke Grigsby (SAU), 0-6, 1-6

Final Score
HU – 6, SAU – 3
Season Record (W-L): HU (6-2); SAU (0-1)
Match Comments: Harding ranked 38th in Division II and 4th in South Region.