EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Aided by four crucial singles points, including three straight victories to clinch the match, the Missouri State women's tennis team opened its spring schedule with a 4-3 win over SIUE, Sunday afternoon.

After falling behind 3-1 in singles action, Missouri State, fueled with a pair of tight three-set decisions from Anna Alons (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) and Ellie Burger (6-3, 3-6, 6-3), closed the gap and tied the match 3-3.

Freshman Clara Gandara Gonzalez solidified the comeback 4-3 victory for the Bears, defeating her SIUE opponent in a dominant 6-1, 6-4 fashion.

"I'm proud of our fight to come back and win four singles points," said Head Coach Mallory Weber. "To see our underclassmen, including two freshman, come through in their first college match to clinch team points is a positive sign."

Phoebe Boeschen garnered the first singles point for the Bears with her 6-3, 6-1 win over SIUE Raillane Kamdem.

The Bears gained the early advantage during doubles play, with duo Anna Alons and Ellie Burger defeating their SIUE opponents 6-1. SIUE would take the final two doubles points to move ahead 1-0 heading into singles.

Missouri State will host Western Illinois and Creighton on Friday, Feb. 8 at Cooper Tennis Complex, with times of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
 
Doubles Results

Anna Alons/Ellie Burger (MSU) def. Ann-Christine Link/Lara Tupper (SIUE), 6-1
Callaghan Adams/Maria Thibault (SIUE) def. Phoebe Boeschen/Fati Khamissi (MSU), 6-4
Nicole Gomez/Alina Munteanu (SIUE) def. Alye Darter/Mara Presot (MSU), 7-5
 
Singles Results

Phoebe Boeschen (MSU) def. Railane Kamden (SIUE), 6-3, 6-1
Nicole Gomez (SIUE) def. Fati Khamissi (MSU) 6-4, 7-5
Alina Munteanu (SIUE) def. Alye Darter (MSU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
Anna Alons (MSU) def. Lara Tupper (SIUE) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Ellie Burger (MSU) def. Callaghan Adams (SIUE), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Clara Gandara Gonzalez (MSU) def. Maria Thibault (SIUE), 6-1, 6-4