ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist women's tennis picks up first victory of the season against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy before falling to Bethel (Kan.) on Friday.
 
Prior to the match both coaches agreed that once the match had been decided, they would halt any ongoing matches. Due UHSP forfeiting at No. 3 doubles and No. 5 and No. 6 singles, MBU only need to win one of the two doubles matches to secure the team point and one singles match.
 
Myia McAllister and Elle Panke locked up the doubles team point in style as they defeated Emilia Gautier and Ainsley Fortnschneider, 6-0. With the point locked, play halted during the No. 1 singles match where Nina Vasiljkovic and Faith Griese were trailing 3-4 but in prime position to tie that match at four apiece.
 
Myia McAllister continued to be the first one done for the Spartans as her 6-2, 6-2 victory locked up the match for MBU. Vasiljkovic dropped her first set 5-7 but was up 3-2 during the second set as the match was called.
 
MBU didn't fare as well against a more competitive Bethel (Kan.) team but still kept many matches close. At No. 1 doubles, Griese and Vasiljkovic defeated Daniella Herrera and Halle Krehbiel 6-2. Bethel (Kan.) defeated the Spartans 6-1 aT No. 2 doubles and 6-3 at No. 3 doubles to secure the team point.
 
Faith Griese was the lone Spartan to pick up a win during the single matches, but MBU was close in the two matches that didn't finish due to the overall match being decided. During her No. 2 singles bout, Griese went on to win 6-4, 6-7, 10-8.
 
Panke and Maddie Feick were in the heat of the battle as the match was called. Panke was tied 4-4 during the first set of action while Feick was only down 3-4. Bethel defeated the Spartans 4-1, but had they finished the last few matches the final score may have been very close.
 
Women's tennis will take spring break off before getting back on the courts against Evangel University on Mar. 22 in Springfield, Mo. The match is set to begin at 1:30 PM.