The Maryville women's tennis team was narrowly edged out by Illinois Springfield 4-3 Friday at Sunset Tennis Center. The match was the first of the 2019 spring season for the Saints.

In doubles play, Ashley Down and Clara Bascunana combined to win the No. 3 doubles match 7-6. However, the Prairie Stars took the other two doubles positions to win the team point.

Nicole Pafundi, who is ranked No. 36 nationally in Division II, claimed the No. 1 singles point by cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Bascunana recorded notched a 7-6, 6-0 win in the fifth singles slot. Helena Colvee picked up the No. 6 singles decision with a 6-2, 3-6, 10-4 win.