Box Score

OWATONNA, Minn. -- The Southwest Minnesota State University women's tennis team earned its first conference victory of the season on Saturday night defeating Upper Iowa, 6-3, at West Hill Tennis and Fitness Center. 

The win snapped SMSU's nine-match losing streak to Upper Iowa dating back to the 2009 season. The Mustangs got on the board early with an 8-4 win at No. 2 doubles as Hannah Starke and Paige Janka teamed up to defeat Lara Peco and Lavanya Singh. Gabby Tellijohn and Cora Delich dropped a close decision at No. 1 doubles -- falling 8-4 to Anna Okolot and Shakhnaza Zhanatova. The Peacocks forfeited No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles. 

Leading 3-1, Janka turned in the first victory for SMSU as she defeated Breanna Heichert 6-4, 6-4 at No. 5 singles. Olivia Watzke clinched the match for SMSU with her 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-3) comeback win at No. 4 singles. Starke finished the scoring as she defeated Lavonya Singh 6-2, 6-4 at No. 3 singles. 

Tellijohn and Delich battled tough at No. 1 and No. 2 singles but lost 6-0, 6-0 and 6-4, 7-5.  

The Mustangs (3-3, 1-2 NSIC) will take on Winona State tomorrow at 6 p.m.