TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State battled through cold and windy conditions Saturday, but they fired off a 6-1 victory over #17-ranked Central Oklahoma to open MIAA play. 

Temperatures hovered around 40 degrees with wind gusts over 20 miles per hour as the RiverHawks moved to 6-3 overall (1-0 MIAA).

"Just an unreal job of competing by this team today, especially in tough weather conditions," said head coach Tim McLane.  That's one of the most complete team performances I've ever had as a coach.  Not much to be said other than how proud I am of the way they competed today."

The RiverHawks set the tone early in doubles with Emilia Cosatto and Alisha Moldakhmetova making quick work of UCO's top pairing 6-2, who were ranked second nationally.  Leah Gonzales-Edwards and Valeria Teran won three consecutive games to clinch doubles with a 7-5 win.

Cosatto made quick work in singles needing under an hour, winning 6-1, 6-2 on the main court.  Roos Karremans gave NSU its third point 6-3, 6-1 at four singles.  Alisha Moldakhmetova had the clinching point 7-6, 6-2 at two.  

Valeria Teran won 7-5, 6-1 at five, and Sandra Mari Marti needed three sets and a 6-4, 2-6, 11-9 result at six. 

The setback is the widest of the season for Central Oklahoma, which drops to 5-6 (0-1 MIAA). 

Northeastern State return to action Sunday when they will host Missouri Western.