TAHLEQUAH --  Northeastern State opened its home schedule in style Tuesday afternoon, defeating Henderson State 5-2 at the NSU Tennis Courts.

The win marked the third straight for the RiverHawks (3-2), who also improved to 7-0 all-time at home against the Reddies.

"Real good team win today, Henderson is always tough, and the windy conditions made things fairly tricky out there, said coach Tim McLane.  "I thought we did a great job of adjusting and working hard during the points. I was very pleased with the way we played doubles today; everyone stayed aggressive and was moving. Singles, we did a nice job of staying patient and having good shot selection."

NSU seized control early by sweeping doubles play to earn the opening point. Daisy Barrow and Renata Morales secured a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles, followed by a 6-4 victory from Lucia Bontempo and Sofia Kotliarova at No. 2. Camila de Michele and Laura Mertens completed the sweep with a 7-5 decision at No. 3.

Morales delivered in her debut at the top of the singles lineup, grinding out a 7-6, 6-4 win over Kristina Kozlova at No. 1 singles to give NSU a key point.

Barrow added a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles, and Lucia Bontempo earned a 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 6.

Kotliarova provided a thriller at No. 2 singles. After taking the first two sets, she found herself trailing 5-3 in the third before rallying to win four consecutive games and close out the comeback.

Henderson State (3-2) claimed points at No. 4 and No. 5 singles, but the RiverHawks' early doubles dominance and steady play atop the singles order proved decisive.

Northeastern State will carry its momentum forward as it continues its homestand with Oklahoma Wesleyan on Wednesday.