Freshman Dany Raygadas returns the ball to her opponent during a match against Lamar earlier in the season. Raygadas has been on a singles wining streak since the start of conference play.
The Lion’s Roar / Melanie Mann
Following once more having their plans altered due to Mother Nature, the Lady Lions tennis team fell to Central Arkansas University 4-3 last Saturday. The Lady Lions traveled to Conway, Arkansas for the match, but ultimately played the contest at the neighboring Hendrix College tennis complex.
Southeastern (5-2, 2-1 SLC) entered the match on the heels of a three-match win streak. The Bears of UCA (6-1, 1-1 SLC) took an early lead of the match. Doubles matches went in favor of the hosts, putting the Bears up 1-0 to start off the day.
The top three singles from both teams competed once doubles was finished. On the No. 1 court, junior Renee Villarreal took on Nataly Yoo of the Bears. Both athletes entered the match unbeaten in singles competition this season, but it was Villarreal who came away with the win 6-3, 6-4. The win by Villarreal came following losses on the No. 2 and No. 3 courts.
Hope appeared grim for the Lady Lions as they found themselves in a 3-0 hole after doubles and the first two singles matches finished. Redshirt freshman Anna Bryukhova played for the Lady Lions on the No. 2 court, but fell short to Kelsey Williams 6-4, 6-2. Freshman Lucia Bustamante received her first loss of the season at the hands of UCA’s Kristina Horsikyan on the No. 3 court. The Ecuador native was riding a six match winning-streak in singles this spring.
Despite being on the verge of defeat, the Lady Lions came roaring back to close in on the Bears. Over on the No. 5 match, freshman Dany Raygadas fought her way to a 3-6, 7-6, 10-7 victory over Cassidy Crawford. Edging Southeastern even closer was freshman Madina Vorotnikova, who defeated Amanda Alvarez 6-2, 6-1.
With the score tied at 3-3, the match could have swung in either team’s favor. A loss at the No. 4 match sealed the fate of the Lady Lions, handing Southeastern its first Southland defeat of the season.
Adding to the Lady Lions’ challenge of playing indoor for the first time this season, they also had to play against a team that featured a wealth of experience compared to the Lady Lions. Playing in singles matches for the Bears were four seniors versus three true freshmen and one redshirt freshman for the Lady Lions. Head coach Jason Hayes has seen improvements in the way the team has played, despite the most recent loss to UCA.
“I could not be happier with how they have developed,” said Hayes. “I remind them that you have to play hard and smart, and [have to have] the positive momentum to get through the game.”
Next up for the Lady Lions will be a double header Wednesday. The first match against Southeast Missouri State University is scheduled for 1 p.m. Later on in the evening, the Lady Lions will host Alcorn State at 6 p.m.
Visit lionsports.net for more news on Lady Lions tennis.