SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The Minnesota State women's tennis team found itself in a close dual against Sioux Falls Thursday, but it was USF that came away with the 5-4 win.

With the loss, MSU falls to 3-15 on the season, including a mark of 2-6 in NSIC action. With the win, the Cougars improve to 5-6 on the season.

The Mavericks began the day winning two of the three doubles matches to take an early 2-1 lead.

Junior Shealyn Bakke and sophomore Sarah McCann won the No. 1 doubles match 9-7, while senior Alexis Ronney and freshman Melissa Mashburn won the No. 2 doubles match 8-6.

MSU finished the day winning two of the six singles matches as it fell to the Cougars 5-4.

Bakke won the third singles match in straight sets by the scores of 6-2, 6-2, while Ronney won the No. 5 singles match in straight sets 6-2, 6-0. Mashburn lost the No. 2 singles match to Stacey Beard 7-5, 6-4, while sophomore Alexis Haakedahl lost the fourth singles match 7-5, 6-3.

MSU continues NSIC play Friday, April 4, as it takes on St. Cloud State in St. Peter, Minn. The dual is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.


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