ARKADELPHIA – The Tarleton women's tennis team dropped a narrow 5-4 decision to Delta State in the morning, but rebounded for a 5-4 win over Southwest Baptist in the afternoon.

In the morning session against Delta State, the TexAnns got singles wins from Alicia Perez (6-0, 4-0), Adriana Jaskova (6-3, 6-4) and Melanie Barnes (6-4, 6-0), while Mariana Frietas (1-6, 4-6), Silvia Nieva (4-6, 6-4, 3-6) and Kayla Deatherage (1-6, 1-6) were overcome by a talented Lady Statesmen squad.

In doubles action, Perez and Frietas won their match against Jamais/Mongin 8-5, but it would be the only TexAnn doubles victory of the morning, as the pairings of Jaskova/Barnes and Nieva/Deatherage suffered defeat at the hands of Delta State.

Head coach Lance Drake discussed his team's performance in the morning session.

“We wanted to go up at least 2-1 after doubles, but fell just short,” said Drake. “We had opportunities but did not execute. Delta is a solid program and we knew that going in.”

In the afternoon, Tarleton was able to escape with a 5-4 win over Southwest Baptist.

In singles play, Jaskova (6-0, 6-1), Frietas (6-4, 6-2), and Barnes (6-2, 2-6, 6-2) won their matches as the TexAnns split with the Bearcats in singles action.

As far as the doubles matches went, Tarleton fared much better, winning two of the three pairings. Perez and Frietas defeated Singh/Schmidt (8-4), while Jaskova and Barnes were victorious over Kovacs/Panovski (8-5).

“It was a tough afternoon for us, but we were able to pick up the win,” said Drake. “Going up 2-1 after the doubles was the difference in the match. It's what we wanted to do against Delta State but were actually able to do against Southwest Baptist. I am proud of girls for battling today.”

Tarleton returns to action Saturday in Arkadelphia as the TexAnns take on host Ouachita Baptist starting at noon.