RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -- Northeastern State battled down to the wire but came up short in a 4-3 loss to Arkansas Tech on Thursday at the Chartwells Women's Sports Complex.

The RiverHawks (2-6) split the singles matches but were unable to secure the doubles point, which proved to be the difference. Arkansas Tech (4-6) took two of three doubles contests, winning 6-1 at both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions to claim the early 1-0 lead. The No. 3 doubles match was left unfinished.

In singles play, NSU picked up wins at the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 positions. Sofia Kotliarova earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 3, while Lucia Bontempo dominated her match at No. 4, winning 6-3, 6-2. Annika Kleinhans secured the final NSU point with a 6-3, 6-1 victory at No. 5.

Tegan Heaton and Adel Ismagulova battled in close matches at No. 1 and No. 2 singles but fell in straight sets. The decisive point came at No. 6 singles, where Barbora Havlova forced a third set but ultimately fell 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to give Arkansas Tech the match victory.

Northeastern State will look to regroup as it opens MIAA play with Arkansas-Fort Smith on March 25.