Blue Raiders top Red Wolves 4-3

For the fourth time this season, the Blue Raiders lost the doubles point to begin the match. Junior Natalie Araya and freshman Marietta Bigus defeated Emily Laing and Jenny Herring 8-4 notching the only doubles win for Middle Tennessee.

With the Blue Raiders leading the match 3-2, Chemin defeated Menna Kamal 6-2, 7-6 (0) in No. 6 singles to seal the win.

Senior Andrea Herrera, freshman Taylor Coffey and Natalie Araya all notched wins for Middle Tennessee in the match. Herrera finished first defeating Herring 6-2, 6-4. Then Coffey won her match 6-4, 6-4 over Elne Barnard.

"It's a weird feeling to watch the doubles matches because it's a very important point. I was nervous, but I went into my singles match very pumped up and ready to play," Herrera said. "I worked really hard for every point and didn't give up. I cheered for the other girls and it was good to see everyone else fighting for the win."

Araya's 6-3, 7-6 (2) win over Rone van Wyk put the Blue Raiders up 3-2 in the match setting up Chemin to take the match for the team.

Middle Tennessee will be back in action on Sunday, Feb. 15 when it plays host to UT-Martin at 12 p.m. at Nashboro Village. Admission to all home matches is free.

Singles
1. Andrea Herrera (MT) def. Jenny Herring (ASU) 6-2, 6-4
2. Paula Chelminska (ASU) def. Marietta Bigus (MT) 6-4, 6-0
3. Natalie Araya (MT) def. Rone van Wyk (ASU) 6-3, 7-6 (7-2)
4. Taylor Coffey (MT) def. Elne Barnard (ASU) 6-4, 6-4
5. Leydi Zora (ASU) def. Alex Dachos (MT) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
6. Marlene Chemin (MT) def. Menna Kamal (ASU) 6-2, 7-6 (7-0)

Doubles
1. Natalie Araya/Marietta Bigus (MT) def. Emily Laing/Jenny Herring (ASU) 8-4
2. Paula Chelminska/Elne Barnard (ASU) def. Taylor Coffey/Marlene Chemin (MT) 8-4
3. Rone van Wyk/Leydi Zora (ASU) def. Anna Djananova/Alex Dachos (MT) 9-8 (7-5)

Match Notes:
Arkansas State 1-3
Middle Tennessee 4-1
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (1,4,2,3,6,5)

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