COLUMBUS, Ga. – The No. 6 University of West Alabama women's tennis team dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 7 Columbus State University, Saturday morning from the John W. Walden Tennis Center. 

In a preseason top 10 battle in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) national rankings, CSU improves to 3-0 on the young season. UWA falls to 0-2. 

"Every time we play the Columbus women, it is a battle either way, and this was match was hard fought and a lot closer than the score shows," said head coach Jeff Beaman.

"We had a good effort today against a really tough team on their home court. We know that we can get better, and we are going to work hard to show it."

UWA, for the second straight match, secured the doubles point as Shaira Rivera and Hardija Vidnere go to 2-0 on the season with their 6-4 win at the top flight. 

At the No. 3, Lolita Hukasian and Emiri Takanishi also improved to 2-0 on the year with a 6-2 victory over Agosta Bigotti and Sofia Lauretti. 

Columbus State rolled in singles with five of the six points, as Valentina Mutilba picked up the lone win for UWA via retirement.  

The Tigers remain on the road to open Gulf South Conference play with No. 20 Auburn Montgomery on Tuesday at 2 p.m.