Bolivar, Mo. — The SBU Women's Tennis team squared up against the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders Tuesday afternoon at the Bearcat's home court. Although they fought with effort, the Bearcats fell to the #49 SAU 0-4, putting SBU at 6-5 for the season.
 
In doubles action, Defne Ursane and Paula Ballesteros in the #1 spot started strong. Their opponents gained the first game, but the Bearcats quickly matched the game and didn't let up. Only allowing the Muleriders to gain one more game, Ursane and Ballesteros defeated their opponents 6-2.
 
The other doubles teams fought hard for a victory in their matches but ultimately fell to the Muleriders. In the #2 spot, Leticia Luiz and Polina Paunova held their own as they went back and forth with their opponents. They couldn't win the last games they needed and lost 4-6. Maria Clara Zotti and Giselle Garcia started off strong in the #3 spot but lost their early lead, finishing the match at 4-6 giving SAU the doubles point.
 
Beginning the singles matches, Ballesteros in the #1 spot played a rough first set but secured a four-game lead over her opponent in the second set. In the latter half of the set, her opponent came back to beat Ballesteros (1-6, 4-6).
 
In the #2 spot, Ursane lost to her competitor (2-6, 3-6). Paunova in the #3 spot started her first set with momentum but struggled to keep it through the match, yielding the clinching point of the match to the Muleriders (4-6, 2-6).
 
The Bearcats will take some time off before beginning conference play next week. They will take on the Tritons of Missouri St. Louis Friday April 4^th in Bolivar, Missouri.