RICHMOND, Ky. – Saturday’s match between the Eastern Kentucky University women’s tennis team and UT Martin came down to a third set at No. 5 singles. UTM’s Johanie Van Zyl was up to the challenge and defeated EKU’s Milena Poffo in the deciding set, 6-2.

With the loss, Eastern falls to 8-8 overall and 1-1 in the OVC while UT Martin improves to 5-7 and 1-0.

“I don’t know why, but we came out very flat today,” EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. “This is certainly disappointing after yesterday’s huge win. Hats off to UT Martin and specifically Johanie Van Zyl for seizing the moment in today’s contest.”

The Colonels dropped the doubles point only to rally to take a 3-2 lead following singles victories from senior Anouk Faure (No. 4), senior Myriem Mhirit (No. 2) and sophomore Jessica Albuquerque (No. 1). However, EKU could not win either of the final two matches at No. 3 or No. 5 singles.

Eastern Kentucky continues conference play next weekend at Murray State and Eastern Illinois.

UT Martin 4, Eastern Kentucky 3

Singles
1. Jessica Albuquerque (EKU) def. Jodie Tiley (UTM) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
2. Myriem Mhirit (EKU) def. Alice Laing (UTM) 6-0, 6-2
3. Anna Winkelmann (UTM) def. Saioa Oscoz (EKU) 6-3, 7-5
4. Anouk Faure (EKU) def. Ivon Simic (UTM) 6-1, 6-1
5. Johanie Van Zyl (UTM) def. Milena Poffo (EKU) 2-6, 7-5, 6-2
6. Anna Marie Herbold (UTM) def. Sophie O’Neill (EKU) 6-1, 6-4

Doubles
1. Herbold/Tiley (UTM) def. Albuquerque/Oscoz (EKU) 8-4
2. Laing/Winkelmann (UTM) def. Faure/Mhirit (EKU) 8-3
3. McCall/Van Zyl (UTM) def. O’Neill/Poffo (EKU) 8-5

Match Notes: Eastern Kentucky (8-8, 1-1 OVC); UT Martin (5-7, 1-0 OVC)
Order of Finish: Doubles (2, 1, 3); Singles (4, 2, 6, 1, 3, 5*)