RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech won two singles matches in the third set to defeat Harding women's tennis 5-4 on Monday in Great American Conference action.

With the victory, Arkansas Tech pulls into sole possession of first place in the conference at 11-5 overall and 3-0 in the GAC. Harding fell to 16-5 and 2-1 in conference.

Harding picked up its first point at No. 3 doubles where Gina Cielo and Callie Huey won 8-4 for their third straight doubles win. The duo is 9-2 as a team.

Harding pulled ahead 3-2 after collecting victories at No. 2 and No. 3 singles. Benyapa Phumtip won her 20th career singles match in straight sets at No. 2, and Chelsea Hunt won her 10th match of the season at No. 3.

Arkansas Tech tied the match at 3-3 with a victory by Mariel Alvarez at No. 1, but Harding pulled back ahead when Katie Huff won her third straight in straight sets at No. 6.

The last two matches came down to the third set, and Arkansas Tech won both after dropping the first set in each match.

Tennis Match Results
Harding vs Arkansas Tech
Apr 02, 2012 at Russellville, Ark.
(Chartwells Complex)
 
Arkansas Tech 5, Harding 4
 
 Singles competition
1. Mariel Alvarez (ATU) def. Ling Chan (HU) 6-4, 6-0
2. Benyapa Phumtip (HU) def. Akanesi Fa (ATU) 6-2, 6-0
3. Chelsea Hunt (HU) def. Aida Castany (ATU) 6-3, 6-1
4. Maria Aleman (ATU) def. Gina Cielo (HU) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
5. Rachel Stevens (ATU) def. Callie Huey (HU) 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
6. Katie Huff (HU) def. Nina Greenway (ATU) 6-3, 6-1
 
 Doubles competition
1. Mariel Alvarez/Akanesi Fa (ATU) def. Benyapa Phumtip/Ling Chan (HU) 8-5
2. Rachel Stevens/Maria Aleman (ATU) def. Katie Huff/Chelsea Hunt (HU) 8-3
3. Gina Cielo/Callie Huey (HU) def. Brittany Turner/Nina Greenway (ATU) 8-4
 
Match Notes:
Harding 16-5, 2-1 GAC
Arkansas Tech 11-5, 3-0 GAC
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (2,3,1,6,4,5)
Official: B. Hollard, L. Duke