SEARCY, Ark. -- Northeastern State saw its seven-match winning streak come to an end Saturday afternoon, falling 4-3 to Harding in a tightly contested dual at the David Elliott Tennis Complex.

The RiverHawks (7-3) were tested from the outset, dropping the doubles point after Harding claimed victories at No. 1 and No. 3. Northeastern State's lone doubles win came from Lucia Bontempo and Sofia Kotliarova at the No. 2 position.

Facing an early 3-1 deficit in singles play, the RiverHawks battled back and kept the match alive with wins on two courts. Laura Mertens delivered a dominant straight-sets victory at No. 4 singles, while Carla Alvarez Perez added another point with a win at No. 6. Daisy Barrow also rallied for a three-set victory at No. 2 singles, helping NSU stay within striking distance.

Ultimately, Harding secured the deciding point at No. 3 singles in a hard-fought three-set match to clinch the dual and snap Northeastern State's seven-match run.

Northeastern State will look to bounce back on March 26 when it returns home to host Southeastern Oklahoma.