GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Missouri (7-20, 2-11 SEC) lost in the first round of the SEC Tournament to No. 64 Mississippi State (12-14, 2-11 SEC), 4-2, on Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers dropped the doubles point but won 10 games across the three courts. Despite trailing after doubles, Mizzou attempted a tough comeback in singles play. The team controlled four courts at one point with Bronte Murgett, Ellie Wright, Elys Ventura and Gabriela Martinez all securing their first sets.
Martinez was the first to score for the Tigers, winning her match against Alexandra Mikhailuk quickly, 6-1, 6-0. Ventura was the final Mizzou player to score in singles action, coming back from behind in the second set to secure the point against Tamara Racine, 6-3, 7-5. Murgett faced No. 76 Emma Antonaki; she took the match to a full three sets but came up short in the end. Wright was unable to stage a third set comeback, leaving the match unfinished as Mississippi State clinched the fourth point.
“We are disappointed in the result from today but know that we took a huge step as a program this year. We finished 12th in the SEC this season; that is the second best finish in Mizzou’s SEC” said head coach Chris Wootton. “The team played their hearts out and gave 100% this season. I am proud of the way this team finished the year and the fight they showed each and every day. We are sad to see our seniors leave and will never forget their contributions to Mizzou Tennis. See everyone next year! M-I-Z!”
Mizzou ends its season at 7-20 overall, and a pair of wins against ranked SEC opponents.
Final Results
Doubles
Racine/Adaloglou (MS) def. Murgett/Martinez (MU) – 6-4
Antonaki/Falceto (MS) def. Schwarte/Ventura (MU) – 6-3
Cirotte/Mikhailuk (MS) vs. Wright/Cardenas (MU) – 5-3, unfinished
Singles
No. 76 Antonaki (MS) def. Murgett (MU) – 5-7, 6-4, 6-0
Wright (MU) vs. Adaloglou (MS) – 6-4, 4-6, 0-2, unfinished
Ventura (MU) def. Racine (MS) – 6-3, 7-5
Cirotte (MS) def. Schwarte (MU) – 6-2, 6-4
Martinez (MU) def. Mikhailuk (MS) – 6-1, 6-0
Falceto (MS) def. Cardenas (MU) – 6-1, 6-1
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