University of South Dakota Athletics

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota women's tennis team battled North Dakota to the final match on Friday but ultimately fell 4-3 at Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls.

North Dakota claimed the early advantage by securing the doubles point. The Fighting Hawks won at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, while the No. 1 matchup between Kayleigh Didderiens and Cassy Marra and North Dakota's Ethel Li and Jule Schulte went unfinished at 4-4.

South Dakota responded with a strong showing in singles play, winning three matches to keep the contest tight throughout the afternoon.

Selena Bird earned a straight-set victory at No. 2 singles, defeating Jule Schulte 6-4, 6-1. Anna Medvyedyeva followed with a dominant performance at No. 3 singles, topping Andrea Pineda 6-3, 6-3.

Keta Shavishvili also picked up a key point for the Coyotes at No. 5 singles, battling to a 7-5, 6-3 win over Alyssa Giupponi.

North Dakota secured the team victory with wins at No. 1, No. 4 and the deciding match at No. 6 singles. Emma Roberts clinched the match for the Fighting Hawks with a three-set victory over Ava Doddridge, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0.

With the loss, South Dakota moves to 4-10 on the season while North Dakota improves to 12-7.

The Coyotes return to action this Sunday when they host Kansas City in Vermillion for the first time this season at noon.

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