Arkansas Tech could not overcome a sweep in doubles play and Harding remained undefeated in Gulf South Conference tennis play by defeating the Golden Suns 8-1 at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex in Russellville on Thursday.
The Lady Bisons (21-3 overall, 5-0 GSC) took command of the match early by winning all three doubles matches.
Saki Matsuoka got a win for the Suns by defeating Lola Pardo 7-5, 6-4 in No. 2 singles.
Tech extended Harding to a third set in three other singles matches to inspire thoughts of a comeback, but the Lady Bisons were able to win that third set on each occasion to lock up the overall victory.
The Golden Suns (9-5, 3-2) will conclude their regular season by hosting Henderson State (4-7, 3-2) for a GSC match at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex.
The winner of that match will go to the GSC Tennis Tournament as the No. 3 seed from the GSC West Division. The loser will go as the No. 4 seed.
The GSC Tournament is scheduled for April 17-18 in Montgomery, Ala.
HARDING 8, ARKANSAS TECH 1
Singles
1. Ling Chan (HU) def. Michelle Yu (TECH) 6-4, 6-2
2. Saki Matsuoka (TECH) def. Lola Pardo (HU) 7-5, 6-4
3. Katherine Golik (HU) def. Brittany Turner (TECH) 1-6, 6-4, 6-1
4. Callie Huey (HU) def. Emorie Mallow (TECH) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
5. Chelsea Hunt (HU) def. Laura Palomino (TECH) 6-1, 6-4
6. Gina Cielo (HU) def. Jessica James (TECH) 6-3, 5-7, 12-10 (12-10)
Doubles
1. Chan/Huey (HU) def. Matsuoka/Turner (TECH) 9-8 (7-0)
2. Hammons/Hunt (HU) def. Mallow/Velasquez (TECH) 9-7
3. Golik/Pardo (HU) def. James/Greenway (TECH) 8-3
