Little Rock, Ark. -- The Central Arkansas tennis team nearly ended their losing streak on Friday afternoon as they fell 4-3 to the Austin Peay Governors (1-1) at the Burns Park Tennis Center. The Bears (1-4) entered singles play with a 1-0 advantage but were unable to capitalize as the Governors took four of the six courts. 

UCA 3, AUSTIN PEAY 4

SINGLES - Down 1-0, the Governors quickly grabbed the 2-1 advantage after sweeps at the No. 6 and No. 3 court. The Bears made it interesting after sophomore Fuka Nonoyama defeated sophomore Danielle Morris 6-2, 7-5 to tie it at 2-all, but Austin Peay took courts 1 and 4 to secure the win. Sophomore Mei Ishimura concluded the day with a gritty three-set win to improve to 2-3 in singles play.

DOUBLES - Central Arkansas struck first after Ishimura and freshman Paulina Engback took the third court 6-3 for their first win of 2020. After Austin Peay took the second court 7-5, Xin and Nonoyama defeated Morris and freshman Jana Leder 7-5 to grab the early 1-0 lead. 

"We're getting better. A lot of what we practiced this week, I saw in the match so I'm very encouraged -- especially in doubles. We made moves at the net, were smart with our serves and returns and our energy was positive on every court. 

"For singles, I thought we played hard and smart. We just have to keep playing and continue to get comfortable in match play, and I think we will."