By: Ella Clark, Coordinator - Communications & Creative Content
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State women's tennis team returned to action at home on Friday, welcoming Missouri to campus for a nonconference matchup. The Tigers faced a strong Southeastern Conference opponent, gaining valuable experience despite Missouri earning the 5–0 decision.
Tennessee State competed across all three doubles courts to open the match. The No. 1 pairing of Victoria Cooksey and Claudia Murdasanu led off for the Tigers, while Jovanna Nikolic and Aroa Arrieta Castillo took the court at No. 3. Natalie Walsh and Julie Tungamarial rounded out doubles play at the No. 2 spot, as TSU worked to find early rhythm against a deep Missouri lineup.
In singles action, several Tigers stepped into key roles. Murdasanu opened singles play at the No. 6 position, followed by Walsh at No. 5 and Cooksey at No. 3. Tungamarial competed at the No. 2 spot, continuing to gain experience against high-level competition as the Tigers tested themselves in individual play.
Tennessee State used the home contest as an opportunity to measure progress against one of the nation's top programs, continuing to build toward conference play and the remainder of the spring season.
The Tigers will look to carry the lessons learned from the home match into their upcoming competitions.
UP NEXT: Tennessee State returns to the road on Monday, March 2, traveling to face Western Kentucky at 1 p.m. in Bowling Green, Ky.