Coyotes Women's Tennis fall at Iowa State

AMES, Iowa (USD) -- South Dakota suffered a 7-0 dual setback at 46th-ranked Iowa State on Sunday afternoon inside the Iowa State Tennis Facility.

The Coyotes (3-5) could not generate and sustain any momentum in the match against a ranked opponent from the Big 12 Conference.

"I'm really proud of the teams effort and how we fought and competed today," head coach Brett Barnett said. "Iowa state is top 50 for a reason and probably the best team from top to bottom we've played."

South Dakota No. 3 doubles team of Selena Bird and Anna Medvyedyeva dropped a 6-3 decision while the senior duo of Grace Chadick and Bea Havlickova fell 6-2. The No. 1 tandem of sophomores Amanda de Oliveira and Sorcha Caves was leading 5-3 when the match was halted. 

"We came out playing so aggressive and believing in our style in doubles," said Barnett. "Selena and Anna played great and came up short.  

"Amanda and Sorcha lasted amazing and were 5-3 up on a team that hasn't been losing."

South Dakota fell in all six singles matches, though Bird battled to a third-set and Chadick along with freshman Katarina Curcic lost one set in a tie-break in their matches. 

"We gave ourselves chances in singles and couldn't close out some close sets and opportunities" added Barnett. "Kat has came in this week and played really well at 6 and will just get better. 

"Sorcha, Selena and Grace all played well and had chances. Probably our best team effort of the year and definitely can build on this moving forward."

South Dakota will face Connecticut on Friday inside the Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls. Match time is Noon.