SEARCY, Ark. – Despite a historic individual milestone from senior Karli Roux, the Harding women's tennis team fell 7-0 to Northwest Missouri State in its 2026 home opener Monday afternoon at the Elliott Tennis Complex.

The Lady Bisons (2-4) faced a relentless attack from the Bearcats (5-1), who managed to sweep the singles slate after a tightly contested battle for the doubles point.

Roux Climbs Program Record Books

The afternoon began with a dominant performance at the top of the doubles lineup. Harding's No. 8-ranked tandem of Brooke Coffman and Karli Roux made quick work of Northwest's Michelle Kostadinov and Polina Agapitova, securing a 6-0 shutout.

The victory marks a significant career achievement for Roux, as her 53rd career doubles win moves her into 19th place on Harding's all-time program wins list. The duo improved to 5-1 in dual matches and an impressive 12-4 overall this season. However, Northwest Missouri State responded with 6-3 wins at both the No. 2 and No. 3 spots to clinch the doubles point.

Singles Battle

Northwest Missouri State maintained their momentum throughout singles play, though the Lady Bisons forced several competitive sets. In the premier matchup at No. 1, Roux pushed Miru Nonaka to the limit. After dropping the first set, Roux dominated the second 6-2 to force a decider, but Nonaka ultimately secured the 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win.

At the No. 6 position, Kenna Kelley battled Agapitova in a close first set before falling 6-4, 6-1. The Bearcats took the remaining four matches in straight sets to finalize the sweep.

Up Next

Harding will have a week to regroup before returning to the Elliott Tennis Complex. The Lady Bisons will host Christian Brothers on Tuesday, March 10, with first serve scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Northwest Missouri State 7, Harding 0

Doubles Competition

1. #8 Brooke Coffman/Karli Roux (HU) def. Michelle Kostadinov/Polina Agapitova (NWMSU) 6-0

2. Miru Nonaka/Chiharu Ito (NWMSU) def. Natalia Alvarez/Paula Rega (HU) 6-3

3. Polina Gontaryk/Majra Djokic (NWMSU) def. Mia Hosking/Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz (HU) 6-3

Singles Competition

1. Miru Nonaka (NWMSU) def. Karli Roux (HU) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3

2. Majra Djokic (NWMSU) def. Natalia Alvarez (HU) 6-1, 6-0

3. Chiharu Ito (NWMSU) def. Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz (HU) 6-3, 6-1

4. Laura Prieto Sieiro (NWMSU) def. Brooke Coffman (HU) 6-2, 6-3

5. Polina Gontaryk (NWMSU) def. Mia Hosking (HU) 6-1, 6-2

6. Polina Agapitova (NWMSU) def. Kenna Kelley (HU) 6-4, 6-1

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