RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. —Northeastern State rallied from a 3-0 deficit but fell short of upending Arkansas Tech for a second time this season, losing 4-3 on Wednesday. 

A few weeks ago, the RiverHawks took a 4-3 result in Tahlequah. The Golden Suns would win 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 to take No. 4 singles for the match point, but they would win the final two games in the decisive third set to clinch. 

"Obviously another close loss for us in a match against a good team that I felt we had plenty of chances to turn in our favor, which unfortunately has been a theme so far," said head coach Tim McLane. "I'm hopeful that being in all these tight dog fights is preparing us for conference play so that we are battle-tested when we get to next week."

"Up to this point, we've been really close to having some good results against top-level competition, but we just need to do a better job of capitalizing on our opportunities and learning how to ride the wave of momentum when we have it."

Trailing 3-0, Belinda Jayaprakash was the first of three wins for the RiverHawks, winning No. 6 singles 6-4, 6-3.

Vera Carvalho won No. 2 singles 6-4, 7-6(6), and Chiara Carnelutti took No. 5 in three sets 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-4. 

The RiverHawks slip to 3-5 overall and travel to Bolivar, Mo. to face Southwest Baptist Saturday.