April 23, 2015-Playing a make-up match in Springfield, Mo. the day before the start of the MIAA Tournament the Emporia State women's tennis team opened their stay at the Cooper Complex with a 5-3 come from behind win over Central Oklahoma on Thursday. With the win the Hornets clinch the fifth seed in the MIAA Tournament.
The Hornets started strong with an 8-2 win at #1 doubles by Tawni Griffey and Cami Ramos. Amy Fugit and Kaley Clark fell 8-4 at #2 doubles to even the match at 1-1. Taylor Smith and Tiffany Khounsombath battled UCO's Olya Burak and Natasa Brnovic to a extra games before falling 9-7 at #3 doubles to give the Bronchos a 2-1 lead.
Alina Gorina defeated Griffey 6-3, 6-4 at #1 singles to put Central Oklahoma up 3-1 before Khounsombath started the comeback with a 6-3, 7-5 win at #6 singles for the Hornets. Ramos won 7-5, 6-1 at #2 singles to tie the dual at 3-3. Fugit won 6-4, 6-4 at #5 to put the Hornets up and Smith won 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 to clinch the match for Emporia State.
The Hornets will take on Neb.-Kearney at 12 noon on Friday in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. In addition to the tournament implications, it is a huge regional match as well. The Lopers are ranked fifth in the region while the Hornets are eighth. The top seven teams in the Central Region advance to the NCAA Tournament.
