University of Missouri
Oklahoma State
No. 66 Tigers Drop 4-3 Heartbreaker to Oklahoma State
3/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
March 14, 2009
Columbia, Mo. –
The Tigers won the doubles point with solid wins from Jamie Mera and Mallory Weber at No. 1 doubles, and Jessica Guiggoli and Kaitlin Ritchie at No. 2 doubles. At No. 3, Danielle Day and Sophia Ayala were down 7-4, but came back and forced a tie-breaker, where they were barely edged 8-6.
Following the doubles point, the Cowgirls struck back quickly with convincing straight-set wins at No. 3 and No. 4. Missouri claimed two three-set wins from both Mera and Ayala at No. 3 and No. 6, respectively. Giuggioli had a pair of match points at the No. 1 position, but was unable to close out, and dropped a three-set marathon.
Tied at three all, the match came down to the number five singles match. Fittingly, it was decided in three sets as freshman Day was barely edged 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the deciding match.
"This was a great match, and it could have gone either way. You have to give OSU credit tonight, as they battled well at two key spots, and that was the difference," said coach Blake Starkey. "We had two match points at No. 1, and Danielle (Day) also had her chances, but it just wasn't our night. That's frustrating, and hopefully will change in our next matches. A couple of our players probably could have competed better, and we found ourselves in a hole after the doubles. For the most part, we have been competing great and putting ourselves in position to win week in and week out. We have gone after some good teams all season, and will continue to do so. We just didn't close it out tonight, and that's on us. Again, credit OSU, who played very well. We'll put this the rear-view mirror quickly, because we have another great shot next weekend."
The Tigers take on Kansas State and Kansas next weekend in Manhattan and Lawrence, respectively. Full scores from this match will be added as soon as they are available.
