MOBILE, Ala. --- University of South Alabama women’s tennis junior Katie Welch (Mobile, Ala.) and sophomore Chané Hines (Johannesburg, South Africa) combined for three wins and two points but Middle Tennessee came away with the victory, 5-2 Sunday afternoon at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

The Blue Raiders end a five-match losing streak to improve to 6-5 on the season. The Jaguars drop to 1-8.

“There was a stretch for about a half hour in singles where we had a good presence and good things happened,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. “But the quality of play overall is still not where it should be. At number one singles we played a pretty good match and at number three it was real gritty. I just wish that would rub off on the whole team, where we dig in and play for pride.”

Welch and Hines teamed up at No. 1 doubles and earned an 8-2 decision over Marietta Bigus and Natalie Araya. But the Blue Raiders won the doubles point with a forfeit at No. 3 and an 8-5 win at No. 2.

Hines got the Jaguars a point with a quick 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 3 but by the time Welch won 6-4, 6-3 at No. 1 over Carla Nava, MTSU had already clinched the match.

“(Hines and Welch) bring a good energy and put themselves in the right positions, and by doing that, give themselves a chance,” said Keyser.

Middle Tennessee picked up victories at Nos. 5 and 6 singles via forfeit and got the deciding fourth point early with a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 4.

Araya rallied 4-6, 6-2, (10-7) over sophomore Marie Boura (Paris, France) at the No. 3 flight.

The Jaguars return to the court March 21 when they host Arkansas State at 11 a.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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