SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Harding women's tennis team opened its 2026 spring season with a challenging road test Friday night, falling 5-1 to Drury University at the Cooper Tennis Complex.
Despite the team result, the Lady Bisons (0-1) saw a standout performance from their top doubles pairing and a resilient victory in the singles lineup from a promising newcomer.
Drury (1-0) took an early lead by securing the doubles point. The Panthers claimed wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, but Harding's nationally ranked duo of Karli Roux and Brooke Coffman provided a bright spot. The No. 8-ranked pair in NCAA Division II battled to a 7-6 tiebreaker victory over Naz Yaver and Antanina Novik to remain undefeated as a duo in dual-match play.
In singles action, the Panthers' depth proved decisive. Drury earned straight-set victories at No. 2, No. 3, and No. 5 to clinch the match. At the top flight, Harding's Roux pushed Leana Chanove to a third set, but Chanove eventually prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the most competitive match of the night.
Freshman Brooke Coffman provided the lone singles point for the Lady Bisons. Competing at the No. 4 position, Coffman defeated Ina Bechle 6-4, 6-4. The win improved Coffman's overall singles record to 4-3 on the season and marked her first career dual-match victory.
The No. 6 singles match between Harding's Paula Rega and Ana Luisa Sathler Rosa remained unfinished after the overall match had been decided.
The Lady Bisons will look to bounce back as they continue their non-conference road swing. Harding returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 14, traveling to face Arkansas-Fort Smith. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Drury 5, Harding 1
Doubles
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Brooke Coffman/Karli Roux (HU) def. Naz Yaver/Antanina Novik (DU) 7-6
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Franca Piaggi/Leana Chanove (DU) def. Mia Hosking/Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz (HU) 6-2
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Ana Luisa Sathler Rosa/Ina Bechle (DU) def. Paula Rega/Natalia Alvarez (HU) 6-2
Singles
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Leana Chanove (DU) def. Karli Roux (HU) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6
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Antanina Novik (DU) def. Natalia Alvarez (HU) 6-1, 6-4
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Naz Yaver (DU) def. Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz (HU) 7-5, 6-1
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Brooke Coffman (HU) def. Ina Bechle (DU) 6-4, 6-4
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Franca Piaggi (DU) def. Mia Hosking (HU) 6-0, 6-3
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Paula Rega (HU) vs. Ana Luisa Sathler Rosa (DU) 1-6, 2-6, unfinished
