Racers Drop Two in Missouri

Saturday, January 23

Columbia, Mo.

9 A.M.

Murray State

Missouri

Photo by: Dan Hasko - Murray State Athletics

1/23/2021 6:43:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Score - PDF (Match 2)Box Score - PDF (Match 1)

Women's Tennis Comes up Short against SEC Foe

Fresh off a season-opening victory over North Alabama on Thursday, Murray State women's tennis took its first road trip of the season on Saturday that featured a doubleheader against Missouri. The Racers came up short on the day, falling to the Tigers by a score of 4-1 in both contests at the Mizzou Tennis Complex in Columbia, Missouri.

"I knew it was going to be a very challenging task, but the girls proved they can compete against the best schools in the nation. The first match we lost 4-1, but were winning comfortably in the two remaining matches which shows how competitive we were," said MSU head coach Jorge Caetano.

MATCH 1 – Missouri 4, Murray State 1
Natalie Slezakova and Stasya Sharapova earned a victory at #1 doubles (6-3), but the Racers could not secure the doubles point, failing to convert at the #2 and #3 positions, 0-6 and 3-6 respectively.

"We only played doubles in the first match, and Stasya and Natalie played some amazing tennis to take down their #1 team. That gives us the confidence that we can compete against any team at the #1 doubles spot," said Caetano.

"We were just outplayed on the other two courts, but those losses showed us that we still need to improve on some things and I can't wait to start working on them."

Marit Kreugel was the bright spot for Murray State in singles competition in the day's first match, dominating Missouri's Rom Cardenas Rifka 6-2, 6-0 to earn a victory at the #4 position.

The Racers also saw encouraging performances from Sara Loncarevic and Natalie Slezakova as they were both leading their matches at #1 and #6 singles, but the matches were completed in their entirety.

"Sara was leading her first match in the third set after being down a set and being down in the third early. She showed resilience to get back, and put herself in the position to win at #1 against an SEC opponent," added Caetano.

MATCH 2 – Missouri 4, Murray State 1
In the day's second match, Sharapova continued her strong play with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Missouri's Elys Ventura at #2 singles to put the Racers in the scoreboard.

"It was great to see Stasya playing some of her best tennis again. She lost a very close first match, and then bounced back to win her second one against a very good opponent."

"Overall, we did some really good things in singles but still have to improve some of our decision making. Mentally, we were sharp and stayed with them the entire time and we should be proud of that."

The Racers are set to return to action on Friday, February 5^th when they will host Marshall at the Kenlake Tennis Courts in Hardin, Ky.