MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The No. 6 University of West Alabama women's tennis team, despite taking the doubles point over Alabama State University, dropped a 5-2 decision to the Hornets, Wednesday afternoon from the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center. 

It was the season opener for the Tigers, while Alabama State picked up its first win of the year and is now 1-3. 

"Tough match today for the women. Definitely not the result we wanted, but there were things we did well that we can build on for Columbus State this weekend," said head coach Jeff Beaman. 

UWA got off on the right foot by taking the doubles point. Shaira Rivera and Hardija Vidnere at the No. 1 flight rolled to the 6-1 victory.

At the No. 3 spot in the lineup, Lolita Hukasian and Emiri Takanishi bested Timothée Legaud and Carmelle Vial, 6-4, to give UWA the 1-0 match lead. 

However, it was all Alabama State in singles, as they took five of the six points. West Alabama made it interesting at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions in the lineup by forcing a deciding third set. 

Rivera was the shining point for UWA in singles, picking up the lone win. After falling in the first set, 6-3, the junior transfer dropped her opponent back-to-back, 6-2, 6-4, for her first win in a Tiger uniform. 

The Tigers will next take on No. 7 Columbus State in a top 10 showdown from Columbus, Georgia. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST.