BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Samford Bulldogs women's tennis earned a hard fought 4-3 victory over Murray State Racers women's tennis Sunday afternoon at the Samford Tennis Center, improving to 7-2 on the season.

Before the opening serve, the Bulldogs honored Sarah Marsh in a heartfelt pre-match tribute. The team wore light blue ribbons in support of her foundation, Sarah Marsh Memorial Fund #LoveBigLikeLittle, showing solidarity and raising awareness for their mission.

The match proved to be tightly contested from the start. 

Samford established momentum early by capturing the doubles point. After dropping a doubles set, the Bulldogs responded decisively. Hailey Troup and Eleni Liakonis delivered a commanding 6-1 win, while Laila Fishman and Cathy Cardona-Carbal sealed the point with a 6-3 victory at No. 3 doubles to give Samford a 1-0 lead heading into singles play.

In singles competition, the Bulldogs showcased their depth in a tightly contested match. Lea Erenda controlled her match earning a 6-1, 6-4 victory to extend Samford's advantage. Hailey Troup followed with an impressive performance cruising to a 6-4, 6-0 win to move the Bulldogs closer to clinching the team victory.

Laila Fishman delivered one of the most pivotal performances of the afternoon. After dropping the opening set 4-6, Fishman battled back with determination, taking the next two sets 6-1, 6-2 to secure another crucial point for Samford.

Murray State mounted a push with three wins in singles play, but the Bulldogs' early doubles advantage proved critical in the final tally. Samford's four total points- the doubles point and three singles victories- were enough to edge the Racers 4-3.

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