HUNTSVILLE – The Tarleton TexAnn tennis team headed south over the weekend to take on Division I foe, Sam Houston State, and despite valiant efforts, dropped the match 5-2 last weekend.
 
The day began with doubles competition, which was credited as only one decision by Division I rule.
 
Tarleton took two of the three doubles matches to earn the decision and take a 1-0 lead into singles play. Ivana Zecevic and Luiza Adas won a hard-fought No. 1 doubles match 8-6 while Alicia Perez and Mackenzie Mitchell won the No. 2 match 8-4.
 
In singles, Perez was the only TexAnn to come out on top as she knocked off Maddie Mortimore 6-3, 6-2 in the No. 1 match for Tarleton's only single point of the day.
 
Zecevic and Marina Rull forced their singles matches to three sets but ultimately fell, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 and 4-6, 7-6 (6-3), 6-1 respectively. Melanie Barnes (6-4, 6-4), Silvia Nieva (6-3, 7-6 [6-4]) and Ellie Stevens (6-1, 6-2) fell in the No. 4, 5 and 6 matches.
 
Tarleton will be back in action next weekend when they head to the Ouachita Baptist/Henderson State Tournament for a four-match, two-day tournament beginning with Delta State Friday morning.