DALLAS -- SMU picked up its sixth win in its last nine matches as the Mustangs defeated Middle Tennessee in a close match 4-3 on Thursday evening. Sophomore Yana Erkeeva (17-9) beat Blue Raider sophomore Irina Constantinide in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 in the No. 4 singles match to clinch the dual match victory for SMU.
The Ponies took the opening doubles point after sweeping all three matches, then won at the No. 2, 4 and 6 singles positions to secure the win.
In addition to Erkeeva in singles, freshman Dasha Sharapova improved her overall record to 17-9 as she defeated Middle Tennessee junior Jesse Grace in three sets 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Freshman Macie Elliot (12-16) notched the victory for SMU in the No. 6 position as she downed Blue Raider freshman Sarah Sediri in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.
In doubles, Sharapova and sophomore Vaszilisza Bulgakova (13-4) improved to 8-3 in the No. 1 doubles spot as the Mustang duo downed Middle Tennessee juniors Tiffany William and Nayara Moraes 8-7. Junior Holly Verner and sophomore Hristina Dishkova (10-4) won the No. 2 doubles match 8-6 while Erkeeva and freshman Anna Kate Anderson (2-2) beat Blue Raider senior Flavia Nagayama and Sediri 8-5 to complete the doubles sweep for SMU.
