SMU’s Natalia Bubien returns the ball during a match against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. (James Bilowus)
The No. 56 SMU women’s tennis team earned its seventh straight victory on Tuesday with a 4-3 win over the University of Arkansas. The Mustangs are 15-4 for the season and their only losses have come from Top 50 teams. Arkansas holds a 9-9 record for the season after its loss to the Mustangs.
SMU started down after the Razorbacks took the doubles point with victories at No. 1 and No. 3. Only sophomores Monica Neveklovska and Kristen Reid pulled out an 8-4 win at No. 2. Junior Natalia Bubien and freshman Claire Reitsch dropped their third doubles match of the season, making their record 14-3.
In singles, Reid finished first in her match with Melissa Hoffmeister, tying the overall score at 1-1. The 6-0, 6-3 win was Reid’s sixth at the No. 6 position this season.
Senior Jennifer Chay defeated Maryori Franco 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2. She now holds a 10-6 overall dual match record and 8-4 at the No. 2 spot.
Reitsch and fellow freshman Pavi Francis both advanced their records with singles wins at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Reitsch beat Nanar Airapetian in straight sets 6-1, 6-3. Francis played Audrey Bordeleau, also ending the match in two sets 7-5, 6-4.
Both Bubien and senior Georgiana Marta fell to their Arkansas opponents, Bubien at No. 1 and Marta at No. 5. Bubien stretched Ela Kaluder to three sets (6-0, 3-6, 6-0), but was unable to claim a victory. At No. 5, Marta fell to Rachel Wilhelm 6-3, 6-3. Marta’s loss tied the match 3-3 before Francis’ win at No. 4 gave the Mustangs their official victory.
SMU has a quick turn around as they face the women of Texas-Pan American University today at the Garland Tennis Center. The Lady Broncs are 7-9 this season with a 7-0 loss to Rice on Friday. After facing the Mustangs, the Lady Broncs are scheduled to play the University of Texas-Arlington on Thursday, April 5.
SMU ends its five-match home stand on Saturday, April 7, with a match against Santa Clara University.
