CLINTON, Miss. – The Mulerider Women's Tennis team suffered two tough defeats against nationally ranked opponents during their trip to Clinton, Mississippi, falling to No. 15 Mississippi College 4-0 and No. 17 West Alabama 4-2.

In their match against Mississippi College, the Muleriders struggled early, losing the doubles point after dropping both the second and third courts. Mississippi College took control in singles play, securing the win before the Muleriders could mount a comeback. Maria Fiacan showed resilience at No. 3 singles, pushing her opponent to a second-set tiebreak but ultimately falling 3-6, 6(5)-7. Ifigeneia Kafka was defeated 3-6, 3-6 at No. 5 singles, and Honoka Yoshimura lost 0-6, 1-6 on court six.

Facing No. 17 West Alabama, the Muleriders again trailed after losing the doubles point. However, they responded strongly in singles play, with Maria Fiacan and Ifigeneia Kafka securing impressive victories at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, respectively. Fiacan won a thrilling three-set match 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, while Kafka triumphed 6-2, 2-6, 6-0. Despite their efforts, West Alabama claimed the remaining singles matches to clinch a 4-2 victory.

The Mulerider Women are back in action on Tuesday (March 25) as they face Southwest Baptist at 1 p.m. in Bolivar, Missouri.