SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's tennis team gained the early lead and never looked back, downing Louisiana Tech, 6-1, at Cooper Tennis Complex.

"This was a great team win," said head coach Mallory Weber. "I'm happy with the way we competed and closed out key matches."
 
The Bears made quick work of their opponents in doubles action, as duo Alye Darter and Mara Presot routed Tech in the No. 2 spot, 6-1, for the opening point.
 
Reigning as the Missouri Valley Conference Doubles Team of the Week, Anna Alons and Ellie Burger banked doubles in a 6-4 decision.
 
Missouri State's momentum continued into singles play, where Coach Weber's squad would earn five consecutive singles points.
 
Anna Alons started the streak in the second flight, earning the overwhelming 7-5, 6-0 victory. In the No. 5 spot, Ellie Burger would follow suit with her own 6-0, 6-4 win.
 
Mara Presot clinched the match for the Bears in a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 battle. The win was Presot's first singles victory of the spring.
 
Fati Khamissi and Clara Gandara Gonzalez each walked away with a point after going three rounds in the third and fourth flight, respectively. Khamissi won by a margin of 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 while Gandara-Gonzalez created separation at the end to earn her own 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 victory.
 
The Bears will head to Texas to challenge Texas State University on Sunday, March 10 at 11 a.m.
 
Doubles
 
Ellie Burger/Anna Alons (MSU) def. Claudia Oravcova / Sonia Chen [TECH] 6-4
Alye Darter/Mara Presot (MSU) def. Ana Jover / Leonie Nutz [TECH] 6-1
Fati Khamissi/Alexia Meyer (MSU) vs. Andrea Perez-Lopez / Ilana Tetruashvili [TECH] 5-4, unfinished
 
Singles
 
Sonia Chen (TECH) def. Alye Darter 6-4, 6-1
Anna Alons (MSU) def. Ana Jover (TECH) 7-5, 6-0
Fati Khamissi (MSU) def. Ilana Tetruashvili (TECH) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
Clara Gandara Gonzalez (MSU) def. Claudia Oracova (TECH) 7-5, 2-6, 7-5
Ellie Burger (MSU) def. Andrea Perez-Lopez (TECH) 6-0, 6-4
Mara Presot (MSU) def. Leonie Nutz (TECH) 6-4, 4-6, 6-1