Redhawks climb above .500 by defeating Aces

~ With eight victories, Southeast is enjoying its best season since 1997.

The Southeast Missouri State women's tennis team climbed back above the .500 mark Saturday with a 4-3 victory over visiting Evansville.

Southeast improved to 8-7 with the non-conference triumph as the Redhawks continued the program's best season since 1997. They have won three of their last four matches.

"It was an excellent win for us against a good Evansville team," Southeast coach Jay Pacelli said. "I was proud of my team for pulling it out."

The Redhawks earned the doubles point to start the match, then split the six singles contests.

Singles wins came from No. 1 Bryce Kristal, No. 3 Julia Masotti and No. 4 Luz Garcia. Masotti improved to 11-4 in singles play this season.

Southeast, 1-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play, visits defending OVC champion Tennessee-Martin Tuesday.

Singles

1. Bryce Kristal (S) def. Sara Wilhoite 6-7 (9-7), 6-2, 6-2

2. Beth Peyton (E) def. Drew Kristal 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2)

3. Julia Masotti (S) def. Lisa Kawamoto 6-1, 6-4

4. Luz Garcia (S) def. Allie Cox 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

5. Stephanie Millis (E) def. Juliana Negosek 6-2, 6-0

6. Emily Krodel (E) def. Morgan Kemp 6-3, 6-2

Doubles

1. Kristal-Kristal (S) def. Wilhoite-Peyton 8-3

2. Negosek-Masotti (S) def. Kawamoto-Millis 9-7

3. Garcia-Kemp (S) def. Emily Krodel-Anna Krodel 9-7