TYLER, Texas – Senior Karli Roux delivered a signature performance Friday morning, but the Harding women's tennis team ultimately fell 6-1 to No. 21 UT Tyler at the Summers Tennis Center.

Despite the team score, the Lady Bisons (1-2) made a significant statement at the top of the lineup, highlighted by an upset victory in doubles and a milestone win for Roux in singles play.

Elite Doubles Showdown

The match opened with a high-stakes battle at No. 1 doubles, featuring two of the top pairings in the country. Harding's Roux and Brooke Coffman, ranked No. 8 nationally, put on a clinic against UT Tyler's Yona Bancarel and Natalia Gorzny, who entered the match ranked No. 7. The Lady Bison duo dominated in a 6-2 victory, proving their status as national contenders.

However, the Patriots (4-2) managed to secure the doubles point by claiming 6-1 and 6-4 victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively.

Roux Makes History

Roux provided the highlight of the day in singles action. Facing Bancarel, who is ranked No. 26 nationally in singles, Roux remained composed to secure a 6-4, 6-2 straight-sets win.

The victory marks the second time in Roux's career she has defeated a nationally ranked opponent. Her first such win came last season—a thrilling 6-3, 0-6, 7-5 triumph over then-No. 6 Jessica Binzari of Midwestern State. Roux's ability to consistently challenge the region's elite has solidified her place at the top of the Lady Bison lineup.

Patriot Depth Prevails

UT Tyler showcased its national depth throughout the rest of the lineup, securing straight-sets wins at every other position. At No. 4 singles, Ece Boylu battled through a tight first-set tiebreaker against Carla Rodier, but Rodier took control in the second to secure a 7-6, 6-0 win.

Freshman Brooke Coffman suffered her first dual-match singles loss of the spring at the No. 3 spot, falling 6-3, 6-3, as the Patriots' veteran experience proved to be the difference across the middle of the order.

Up Next

The Lady Bisons will look to carry the momentum from their top-flight wins into Saturday as they continue their Texas road trip. Harding is scheduled to face UT Permian Basin at 10:00 a.m. at the TJC Brookshire Community Courts.

#21 UT Tyler 6, Harding 1

Doubles Competition

1. #8 Karli Roux/Brooke Coffman (HU) def. #7 Yona Bancarel/Natalia Gorzny (UTT) 6-2

2. Carla Rodier/Maria Antonio Ortega (UTT) def. Ece Boylu/Paula Rega (HU) 6-1

3. Paula Castellanos/Claudia Di Leonardo (UTT) def. Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz/Mia Hosking (HU) 6-4

Singles Competition

1. Karli Roux (HU) def. #26 Yona Bancarel (UTT) 6-4, 6-2

2. Natalia Gorzny (UTT) def. Natalia Alvarez (HU) 6-2, 6-1

3. Maria Antonio Ortega (UTT) def. Brooke Coffman (HU) 6-3, 6-3

4. Carla Rodier (UTT) def. Ece Boylu (HU) 7-6, 6-0

5. Paula Castellanos (UTT) def. Paula Rega (HU) 6-2, 6-0

6. Claudia Di Leonardo (UTT) def. Kenna Kelley (HU) 6-4, 6-1

Order of finish: Doubles (2, 1, 3); Singles (2, 3, 1, 6, 5, 4)