March 9, 2011

Box Score

FORT WORTH, Texas - Lamar's Mariaryeni Gutierrez remained undefeated at first singles, but it wasn't enough as the LU tennis team suffered its first loss of the season Wednesday, dropping a 5-2 decision to TCU in a non-conference match.

Gutierrez moved to 9-0 at first singles with a 6-4, 6-4 decision over Katariina Tuohimaa. Lamar's Kaltrina Harbuzi suffered her first loss at No. 2 singles, falling to Olivia Smith 6-3, 0-6, 6-0.

Gutierrez and Harbuzi, who were ranked 57th in the nation in doubles play, suffered their first loss at No. 1 doubles, dropping an 8-4 decision to Tuohimaa and Federica Denti.

"It was a close match," Lamar coach David Wong said. "We lost two matches in three sets. I knew it would be tough. This is the closest we've played them in a number of years."

Lamar's other point came at sixth singles, as Diana Mendez ran her record to 9-0 with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Molly Welsh.

TCU (2-5) swept the doubles competition.

Lamar (8-1) looks to improve on its 2-0 Southland Conference record when it travels to Texas State at 10 a.m. Saturday.

LAMAR