STEPHENVILLE - The Tarleton women's tennis team picked up a 5-4 win over Incarnate Word Friday in Stephenville.  It marked the TexAnns' first home match of the spring.

No. 50 singles player and Tarleton's No. 1 Alicia Perez led the way for the TexAnns ith a 6-2, 6-3 win over Brianda Navarro.  No. 2 Adrianna Jaskova won her match over Audrey Hernandez (6-2, 6-1), while Mariana Frietas defeated Casey Bulls (6-2, 6-2) and Melanie Barnes defeated Alex Adams (3-6, 6-4, 6-2) in singles No. 3 and No. 4 matches.

Doubles play was not as kind to Tarleton, with Jaskova and Barnes being the only duo to win with a 8-6 decision.

The TexAnns finished the day with a 5-4 win over the Cardinals, a crucial Lone Star Conference win for Tarleton.

Head coach Lance Drake was relieved to pick up a win in Tarleton's first home contest of the spring.

"It was another tough match today," said Drake.  "Overall, we did not play very good doubles, but were able to pull out the No. 2 match.  Adriana (Jaskova) and Melanie (Barnes) fought the entire match and did a good job finishing off.  That was something we were unable to do Wednesday at Midwestern."

Despite the rough day in double's action, Drake still believes the singles play will be a strength for Tarleton throughout the year.

"The team continues to show mental toughness in the singles area," said Drake.  "I thought our No. 1 through No. 3 girls faced some strong competition and played complete matches. I was especially impress with Melanie (Barnes), who didn't play her best, but hung in there, turned the match around and clinched the victory."

The TexAnns return to action Tuesday, March 8 at 3 p.m. when they travel to Dallas Baptist.

Be sure to check out TarletonSports.com for match results and further information regardin the 2011 TexAnn tennis season.