CONWAY, Ark. – Harding women's tennis fell 6-3 to Northeastern State on Friday in its first match of the spring season. The match was played indoors on the campus at Hendrix College.

Harding fell to 2-2 overall after playing three matches in the fall season. Northeastern State (1-0) won its first match of the spring.

Harding's No. 1 singles team of Ling Chan and Benyapa Phumtip earned the Lady Bisons' first point with an 8-3 victory over Ivana Belejova and Houda Bellamine. Chan and Phumtip played together for the first time this season but have a 7-2 record as doubles teammates.

Chan added another point in singles for the Lady Bisons with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Jeanne Mallem at No. 1. Chan improved to 3-1 in singles play.

Gina Cielo remained undefeated in singles during the 2011-12 season with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Sara Trott at No. 4. Cielo is 4-0 this season and 41-16 in her career.

Harding's next action is Monday against Hendrix.

Tennis Match Results

Northeastern State vs Harding

Feb 03, 2012 at Conway, Ark.

Northeastern State 6, Harding 3

 Singles competition

1. Ling Chan (HU) def. Jeanne Mallem (NSU) 6-3, 6-1

2. Houda Bellamine (NSU) def. Benyapa Phumtip (HU) 6-4, 6-3

3. Ivana Belejova (NSU) def. Chelsea Hunt (HU) 6-2, 6-4

4. Gina Cielo (HU) def. Sara Trott (NSU) 6-4, 6-2

5. Barbora Jirickova (NSU) def. Katie Huff (HU) 6-4, 6-0

6. Tijana Skalusevic (NSU) def. Callie Huey (HU) 6-3, 6-4

 Doubles competition

1. Ling Chan/Benyapa Phumtip (HU) def. Ivana Belejova/Houda Bellamine (NSU) 8-3

2. Jeanne Mallem/Sara Trott (NSU) def. Katie Huff/Chelsea Hunt (HU) 9-7

3. Barbora Jirickova/Tijana Skalusevic (NSU) def. Callie Huey/Gina Cielo (HU) 8-5

Match Notes:

Northeastern State 1-0

Harding 2-2