MONROE, La. | Grambling State University's tennis team faced a tough challenge against the University of Louisiana Monroe (1-0) , falling 6-1 in a competitive matchup Tuesday afternoon at Heard Stadium. Despite a determined effort from the Lady Tigers, ULM proved formidable across both doubles and singles play.

In doubles action, Grambling State's duos fought hard but were unable to break through against ULM's strong pairings. Jovana Latinovic and Takudzwa Mawisire battled Mariam Hatem and Mariia Iordanova but fell 6-0. Claire Machisa and Emmory Simmons faced similar difficulties, dropping their match 6-0 to Raquel Alvaro and Enna Kirnjic. 

Ekaterina Dziova and Ximena Raya-Arredondo put up a fight in the No. 3 doubles slot but came up short, 6-3, against Vanja Cado and Lu Jorrin Fernandez.

In singles play, Grambling State (0-2) showed resilience but was met with stiff opposition. Claire Machisa fell to Mariam Hatem 6-0, 6-0, while Mawisire and Simmons each dropped their matches in straight sets. 

Dziova and Latinovic fought in closely contested matches, with Latinovic pushing her opponent to the brink before falling 6-3, 7-5. The lone victory for Grambling State came from Freshman Raya-Arredondo, who mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Enna Kirnjic in three sets, 0-6, 6-5, 10-7 to win her first college tennis singles matchup.




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Grambling State faces Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, LA, on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.


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