FORT SMITH, Ark. — Northeastern State rallied from a doubles-point deficit to defeat Arkansas-Fort Smith 5-2 in MIAA/GAC play Friday afternoon at The Hangout.

The RiverHawks improved to 5-6 overall and 2-2 in league action, overcoming an early 2-1 deficit after doubles by winning five of six singles matches.

Arkansas-Fort Smith claimed the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 3, while Luis Denda and James Edley secured Northeastern State's lone doubles victory with a 7-5 decision at No. 2.

NSU responded with a dominant showing in singles play. James Edley set the tone with a straight-sets win at No. 1, and Alexander Edley followed with a three-set victory at No. 2. Mansur Khajimuradov added another three-set win at No. 3 to give the RiverHawks control of the match.
Tomas Aramburu and Baptiste Linet each earned straight-set victories at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, to clinch the team result for Northeastern State.

"I could not be more proud of the way these guys battled today," head coach Tim McLane said. "Credit to Fort Smith because that was a really high level match on both sides. But, for us to be in a must-win situation, drop the doubles point, and then come out in singles the way we did was such a massive effort from these guys. The way these guys have come together in the first year of the program has been so much fun to be a part of as a coach."

Northeastern State will return to action April 1, traveling to Rockhurst.