SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State tennis team secured its first win of the season with a 4-1 victory over Arkansas State at home on Friday.
 
"I'm really proud of the way the girls fought and their resilience today," head coach Ellie Burger said. "Taking the doubles point was huge and we carried that momentum and that energy into singles."
 
The Bears (1-2) sealed the victory with wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles mere seconds apart from each other.
 
At No. 1 singles, Cristina Flaquer fought through the first set of her match. With the set tied 6-6, Flaquer kept fighting to win the tie breaker 7-3 over Sarah Millard. The senior flew through the second set to win 6-1 and seal Arkansas State's fate.
 
Mary Houston also fought through a challenging first set at No. 2. Houston won the opening set 7-5 before going on to win the second set 6-4 against Arkansas State's Rebecca Brody.
 
At No. 3 singles, Tuana Gunal had her first win as a Bear. The freshman from Turkey took the first set 6-2 and did not slow down as she headed into the second against Yasmine Humbert of Arkansas State (1-2). Gunal won the second set 6-3 to put the Bears back in the lead.
 
In doubles, it was a battle to finish first. Sandra Lukacova and Houston wrapped up their match at No. 2 with a 6-4 win over Arkansas State duo Sarah Millard and Abigail Thurmer. Then it was down to the No. 1 and No. 3 teams to see who could close their match first and secure the early lead for MoState.
 
Ultimately, Juliette Robinson and Tuana Gunal won that race with a win in their tie breaker at No. 3. The duo defeated Arkansas State's Rebecca Brody and Ariadna Fernandez 7-6 (9-7). Flaquer and Nicole Ross ended their match tied 6-6 (6-6) against Zukic and Humbert.
 
"I'm really proud of the way the girls took care of business today and we're looking forward to getting back on the court next week," Burger said.
 
The Bears are back at home next Friday to take on Central Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. The following day they will face Kansas City at home at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
   
Results
Missouri State (1-2) – 4, Arkansas State (1-2) – 1
Doubles

1. Cristina Flaquer/Nicole Ross (MOST) vs. Nejla Zukic/Yasmine Humbert (ASU) – 6-6 (6-6), unfinished
2. Sandra Lukacova/Mary Houston (MOST) defeated Sarah Millard/Abigail Thurmer (ASU) – 6-4
3. Juliette Robinson/Tuana Gunal (MOST) defeated Rebecca Brody/Ariadna Fernandez (ASU) – 7-6 (7)

Order of Finish: 2, 3

Singles

1. Cristina Flaquer (MOST) defeated Sarah Millard (ASU) – 7-6 (7), 6-1
2. Mary Houston (MOST) defeated Rebecca Brody (ASU) – 7-5, 6-4
3. Tuana Gunal (MOST) defeated Yasmine Humbert (ASU) – 6-2, 6-3
4. Juliette Robinson (MOST) vs. Nejla Zukic (ASU) – 6-4, 3-6 unfinished
5. Nicole Ross (MOST) lost to Ariadna Fernandez (ASU) – 6-1, 6-3
6. Sandra Lukacova (MOST) vs. Emiliya Margolin (ASU) – 4-6, 4-3 unfinished

Order of Finish: 5, 3, 2, 1