STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Samford women's tennis team battled Mississippi State in its season opener Saturday, eventually falling by a score of 5-2 at the Rula Tennis Pavilion.
 
Samford earned singles wins at the No. 2 and No. 5 positions. At No. 2, Emily Surcey earned a 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-7) over Chloe Cirotte. On the No. 5 singles court, Margaret Jaraczewski defeated Dharani Niroshan, 7-5, 7-5. Mississippi State took the other four singles matches.
 
Mississippi State won on No. 1 and No. 3 doubles courts. The match at No. 2 doubles was not finished.
 
Samford will next play host to Alabama State on Jan. 27. The match is set for a 1 p.m. start from the Samford Tennis Center.
 
Mississippi State 5, Samford 2
Singles Competition
1. Maria Rizzolo (MS) def. Alexis Lopez (SAMW) 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 (10-6)
2. Emily Surcey (SAMW) def. Chloe Cirotte (MS) 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-7)
3. Alexandra Mikhailuk (MS) def. Ally Hayduk (SAMW) 6-0, 6-0
4. Athina Pitta (MS) def. Noelle Mauro (SAMW) 6-1, 6-3
5. Margaret Jaraczewski (SAMW) def. Dharani Niroshan (MS) 7-5, 7-5
6. Alessia Tagliente (MS) def. Samantha Maras (SAMW) 6-4, 6-2
 
Doubles Competition
1. Alexandra Mikhailuk/Maria Rizzolo (MS) def. Ally Hayduk/Emily Surcey (SAMW) 6-2
2. Chloe Cirotte/Athina Pitta (MS) vs. Margaret Jaraczewski/Noelle Mauro (SAMW) 5-3, unfinished
3. Dharani Niroshan/Alessia Tagliente (MS) def. Alexis Lopez/Samantha Maras (SAMW) 6-2
 
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