ESU women’s tennis had a tough time defending against MIAA champion Northeastern State Saturday at the Milton Courts, losing the duel, 8-1.

The doubles competition was swept by the RiverHawks as they took the three matches by scores of 8-4, 8-3 and 8-3. Patricia Husakova, the 32nd-ranked player in the nation, headlined the Northeastern victories with her play.

The Lady Hornets got off to a discouraging start in the singles competition.

Northeastern State captured the first five solo matches, winning the duel and bringing the score to 8-0, with one match left to play.

ESU freshman Sarah Durham dispatched her opponent in the number 6 singles match by scores of 6-1 and 6-2 and ensured the Lady Hornets would avoid being shutout for the second time this

season.

With the win, the RiverHawks secured their third straight MIAA title. The Lady Hornets fell to 10-12 overall with a 2-7 mark in conference competition.

The Hornet women will wrap up their regular season campaign this Saturday with a duel against Southwest Baptist on the Milton Courts.