SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's tennis team made a statement with a 5-2 win over in-state foe Saint Louis on Thursday afternoon at the Cooper Tennis Complex.
 
"We took a step in the right direction today," head coach Hannah Keeling said. "I was proud of the girls for keeping our momentum from doubles play and carrying them into singles play. We are now putting our focus towards Saturday's match.
 
MSU raced out to a 1-0 lead early as they got the doubles point thanks to wins by Hana Sisirak and Alyson Piskulic in the No. 2 spot (6-1) and Mary Houston and Mara Presot in the No. 3 spot (6-2).
 
In singles play at the No. 1 spot Hana Sisirak was defeated by the Bilikiens Elizabeth Mintusova 6-1 and 7-6. Ellie Burger was victorious in the No. 2 singles defeating Saint Louis Mya Spencer 6-3 and 6-2. SLU's Mariona Perez defeated Taylor Shaw in No. 3 play 6-2 and 6-2. Tiffani Nash won in the No. 4 spot 6-3 and 6-4 while Alyson Piskulic picked up the win in No. 5 singles by the scores of 6-1 and 6-3. Claire Martin closed out the day in the No. 6 spot with a win over Nawal Cheema of Saint Louis 6-1 and 6-0.
 
The Bears (2-6) will be back in action Saturday, March 6, when they vist Kansas City to take on the Roos at 2:00 p.m.

Singles Competition

1. Elizabeth Mintusova (SLU) def. Hana Sisirak (MSU) 6-1, 7-6
2. Ellie Burger (MSU) def. Mya Spencer (SLU) 6-3, 6-2
3. Mariona Perez (SLU) def. Taylor Shaw (MSU) 6-2, 6-2
4. Tiffani Nash (MSU) def. Jessica Stefan (SLU) 6-3, 6-4
5. Alyson Piskulic (MSU) def. Anna Derecka (SLU) 6-1, 6-3
6. Claire Martin (MSU) def. Nawal Cheema (SLU) 6-1, 6-0
 
Doubles Competition
 

1. Elizabeth Mintusova/Mariona Perez (SLU) def. Ellie Burger/Claire Martin (MSU) 6-2
2. Hana Sisirak/Alyson Piskulic (MSU) def. Mya Spencer/Jessica Stefan (SLU) 6-1
3. Mary Houston/Mara Presot (MSU) def. Jacqueline Hijaouy/Nawal Cheema (SLU) 6-2