MURRAY, Ky. – Belmont women's tennis dropped a hard-fought 5-2 decision to the Murray State Racers Saturday afternoon to open OVC play at the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts.
The Bruins (3-5, 0-1 OVC) split their first two matches to begin doubles competition, as the duo of senior Erin Allen and junior Peyton Lee logged a 6-4 victory from the top spot. Belmont fought the Racers (5-6, 1-0 OVC) for the doubles point at the No. 2 position, but the Bruins fell by tight 7-6 (7-2) margin.
In singles play, Murray State tabbed three consecutive wins, but Lee kept Belmont alive with a 6-2, 7-5 win from the No. 2 spot. Junior Somer Henry battled back to record a 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-8) victory over Sara Loncarevic, but the Racers still won the match with a victory at No. 3.
UP NEXT: The Bruins play host to UT Martin and Southeast Missouri on March 26 and 27 at Belmont Tennis Complex.
MURRAY STATE 5, BELMONT 2
Singles competition
1. Somer Henry (BEL-W) def. Sara Loncarevic (MUR) 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-8)
2. Peyton Lee (BEL-W) def. Sarah Bureau (MUR) 6-2, 7-5
3. Stasya Sharapova (MUR) def. Erin Allen (BEL-W) 6-2, 7-6
4. Marit Kreugel (MUR) def. Drew Hawkins (BEL-W) 6-2, 6-4
5. Anja Loncarevic (MUR) def. Terra Sheldon (BEL-W) 6-3, 7-5
6. Gabrielle Geolier (MUR) def. Sarah Brackin (BEL-W) 6-4, 6-4
Doubles competition
1. Erin Allen/Peyton Lee (BEL-W) def. Sarah Bureau/Sara Loncarevic (MUR) 6-4
2. Stasya Sharapova/Marit Kreugel (MUR) def. Lauren Carelli/Somer Henry (BEL-W) 7-6 (7-2)
3. Anja Loncarevic/Gabrielle Geolier (MUR) def. Terra Sheldon/Drew Hawkins (BEL-W) 6-3
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (6,5,4,2,3,1)
