Women's Tennis Begins Valley Play with Valparaiso at Home Sunday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After a challenging 13-match non-conference slate, the Belmont University women's tennis team steps into Missouri Valley Conference play Sunday afternoon by hosting Valparaiso. With frigid temperatures across the middle Tennessee area this weekend, the match will be played indoors at the Ensworth Tennis Center. First serve is scheduled for 12 p.m.
 
Live scoring of the league opener will be available at BelmontBruins.com.
 
The Bruins went 3-10 in non-conference play, claiming victories over NCAA Division II member Lee University (7-0), Central Arkansas (5-1) and most recently Wofford (6-1). Taking on four Power Five conference opponents, including top-10 ranked Auburn, and playing seven matches away from Nashville, Belmont went 3-3 at home.
 
The talented doubles tandem of freshman Mariia Hlahola and sophomore Anastasiya Zholdakova begin MVC action ranked 72nd in the nation with a 4-3 record at the top spot. The duo upset then ninth-ranked Ariana Arseneault and Carolyn Ansari of Auburn 6-4 on Feb. 19.
 
Hlahola owns a team-best 7-5 singles record this season at the top flight.
 
The Beacons head to the Music City 9-3 on the year but 0-1 in MVC play after dropping their opener 5-2 at Murray State Saturday in Hardin, Kentucky.
 
After a five-match win streak, Valparaiso has lost two of its last three.
 
Sunday afternoon will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
 
Up Next
The Bruins make their first Valley road trip next weekend, traveling to Missouri State next Saturday for a 10 a.m. match before heading to Murray State next Sunday for a 1 p.m. first serve.
 
Follow Belmont women's tennis on social media – @BelmontWTennis on Twitter and @belmontwtennis on Instagram – for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.