Missouri Western takes down Lady Tiger tennis team 6-1

Continuing its challenging early season schedule, the No. 2-ranked Cowley College women's tennis team played at NCAA Division II Missouri Western State University Sunday in Saint Joseph, MO. The Lady Tigers battled hard but found wins hard to come by in the 6-1 loss to the Griffons.

Cowley's victories came from its No. 1 doubles team of Isid Hernandez and Alexandra Melnikova, while Melnikova was also victorious at No. 1 singles.

Freshman Arina Babenko lost in three sets at No. 2 singles and teamed with Ntokozo Zungo in a tough match at No. 2 doubles.

"This was a tough loss against a great team," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said. "We had a lot of chances to win the doubles point but couldn't make it happen. Singles was a similar story, a lot of the close matches went the other way."
Cowley will remain on the road to play at NCAA Division II Drury University Friday at noon in Springfield, MO. The Panthers are receiving votes in the top-25 national rankings.

"We will be back stronger and better against Drury," Raga said.

Results:

DOUBLES

*No. 1 –  Isid Hernandez/Alexandra Melnikova (CC) defeated Izzi MacGibbon/Cristina Granero Boj (MWU) 6-4.

*No. 2 – Anya Chavez/Anais Peralta Criado (MWU) defeated Ntokozo Zungu/Arina Babenko (CC) 6-4.

*No. 3 – Nicole Donnelly/Ariella Curci (MWU) defeated Camila Neyra/Mariia Koroleva (CC) 6-3.

SINGLES

*No. 1 – Melnikova (CC) defeated MacGibbon (MWU) 6-4, 0-6, 7-5.

*No. 2 – Chavez (MWU) defeated Babenko (CC) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

*No. 3 – Boj (MWU) defeated Hernandez (CC) 7-6, 6-2.

*No. 4 – Peralta (MWU) defeated Zungu (CC) 7-5, 6-5 retired.

*No. 5 – Donnelly (MWU) defeated Koroleva (CC) retired in third set tied one set apiece.

*No. 6 – Casas Blas (MWU) defeated Neyra (CC) 6-3, 6-2.