MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Mulerider Women's Tennis team made a strong statement during their home opening weekend, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over #31 UT Tyler on Saturday (March 15),  followed by a dominant sweep against Arkansas Fort Smith on Sunday (March 16). 

The Muleriders started the weekend on a high note against the nationally ranked Patriots, claiming the crucial doubles point with dominant performances on lines two and three. The duo of Amelie Gindl and Maria Fiacan showed off a commanding 6-0 win, while Roksana Kokocha and Inna Serpukhova secured a 6-2 victory at line three. With these wins, the Muleriders entered singles play with a crucial advantage.

In singles action, Gindl extended the Muleriders' lead by securing a hard-fought 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory at the top of the lineup. Josie Holderbach displayed resilience, battling back after dropping the first set 3-6 to take the next two sets 6-4, 6-4, bringing the Muleriders closer to victory. However, losses on lines three, four, and six tied the score at 3-3, leaving sophomore Ifigeneia Kafka at line five as the team's last hope. Kafka narrowly lost the first set 6-7 (3) but refused to back down, rallying to take the next two sets 6-3, 7-5 and securing the decisive win for the Muleriders. This triumph marked the team's first ranked win of the season.

Carrying the momentum from their win, the Muleriders put on a dominant display in their second match of the weekend, sweeping Arkansas Fort Smith with ease. Once again, they claimed the doubles point with wins from Gindl/Fiacan (6-3) and Serpukhova/Kokocha (6-2) on lines two and three.

On the singles courts, every Mulerider secured a straight-set victory. Gindl cruised past her opponent 6-1, 6-2 at line one, while Holderbach dominated at line two with a 6-0, 6-3 win. Fiacan continued her strong play, earning a 7-6(3), 6-0 victory at line three. Kokocha delivered a solid 6-3, 6-2 win, and both Kafka and senior Honoka Yoshimura finished off the sweep with identical 8-3 pro-set victories at lines five and six.

The weekend also saw several Muleriders achieve career milestones in doubles victories. Kokocha reached 20 career doubles wins, while both Serpukhova and Fiacan hit the 30-win mark.

With these victories, the Muleriders improved their overall record to 7-4. Up next, they prepare for matchups against Mississippi College and West Alabama on Wednesday, March 10, and Thursday, March 20, as they look to continue their winning streak.