Missouri tennis defeats Memphis

COLUMBIA — The Missouri Tigers (1-0) defeated the Memphis Tigers (2-3), 4-1, Saturday.

The match served as the first home dual for several Missouri players, including freshman Andrea Lewis. Missouri, which had already won the doubles point, took a 2-0 lead after Lewis’ 6-0, 6-4 win, needing just two more match victories to open its spring season with a win.

Following Lewis’ win, junior Mallory Weber fought through her entire match to take a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4) victory over Memphis’ Ashley Murdock but it was newcomer Maria Christensen who clinched the victory with a three-set win over Andrea Arques, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. 

In doubles action, Weber teamed with classmate Kaitlyn Ritchie to win their first match of the spring, defeating Memphis’ Murdock and Ondeck, 8-4. The Tigers also won the No. 2 match. Senior Kristen Bleakley and freshman Maria Christensen defeated Memphis’ Brown and Toulch, 8-5, earning Missouri the doubles point for the match. Memphis’ duo of Collins and Gray beat Sofia Ayala and Jamie Mera in a tough 9-8 (6) match at No. 3 doubles.