Netters Collect Win Over Harding

CONWAY, Ark. --- Northeastern State captured two doubles win and four singles victories to upend Harding, 6-3, in the 2012 tennis season-opener Friday afternoon.

The RiverHawks, 1-0, won at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles, for a 2-1 advantage early. Wins at 2, 3, 5 & 6 singles provided the additional advantage for NSU to prevail.

In doubles action, Jeanne Mallem and Sara Trott teamed up to log a 9-7 win at No. 2 over Harding's Chelsea Hunt and Katie Huff. Barbora Jirickova and Tijana Skalusevic earned an 8-5 verdict at No. 3 over Callie Huey and Gina Cielo.

Singles action saw Houda Bellamine previal, 6-4, 6-3, over Pom Phumtip at No. 2. Ivana Belejova got a 6-2, 6-4 win over Hunt at No. 3, while Jirickova took a 6-4, 6-0 decision at No. 5 from Huff and Skalusevic downed Callie Huey, 6-3, 6-4, at No. 6.

HU's Ling Chan beat Mallem at No. 1, 6-3, 6-1, and Cielo produced a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 4 for the Bisons' two singles victories.

Northeastern State will take on Ouachita Baptist next Friday for its second match of the young season.