TYLER , Texas – Competing for first place in the American Southwest Conference East Division, the East Texas Baptist University women's tennis team came up short, 5-4, to the University of Texas Tyler for their first conference loss of the year. ETBU fell in two tiebreaking matches as that was the difference in the match.

In doubles, UTT came away with a 2-1 lead. Kate Bramlett and Kaleigh Smith held onto an 8-4 lead in a regionally ranked match up over Alexis Arrieta and Tori Musngi. Tiffany Stankiewicz and Elisa Kendall then fell at no. 2 doubles, 8-4, and Kellie Cawthon and Mullika Seekhieo lost, 8-6, at no. 3 doubles.

ETBU won the no.3, no.4, and no.5 matches in singles play for their four points. Kendall took the no.3 match, 6-4, 6-2, and then Smith won 6-2, 6-2, at no.4. Seekhieo took a tiebreaking match, 3-6, 6-3, 9-0, for the fourth point.

The two matches that went in favor of UTT were at no.1 singles as Bramlett fell, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, and then Cawthon lost at no.6 singles, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

ETBU will have one final match of the regular season on Saturday, April 22, in Arkansas at the University of the Ozarks.