Bears Bounce Back to Down Owls

Monday, January 21

Waco, TX

2:00 PM

Rice University

Baylor

1/21/2019 6:36:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score Rice-Baylor Box Score

By: Chuck Pool (cpool@rice.edu)

The Lead: Rice saw a promising start come up short as the Owls dropped a 4-3 decision to Baylor in Waco on Monday afternoon.

The Details: Looking to post their first win in Waco since 1995, the Owls took an early lead by grabbing the doubles point thanks to wins at the first and third lines. Baylor answered back by taking five of six first sets in singles and closing four of the matches to defeat the Owls for the 13^th consecutive meeting. Victoria Smirnova and Anna Bowtell, who combined for one of the Owls two wins in doubles, each posted wins in singles. Smirnova won in straight sets over Jessica Hinojosa while Bowtell battled back from a 6-1 opening set loss to defeat Paula Baranano in three sets.

Head Coach Elizabeth Schmidt: "We've been putting a lot of work in on our doubles and I was pleased to see that work pay off, but it was a shame that we could not carry that early momentum over into singles. Early season matches always give you a clear idea of where we are at this moment and what we need to work on. I know the team will be ready to get back on the court on Wednesday and work on some of the things we saw today and get ready for Sam Houston on Sunday."

Up Next: The Rice women's team will host Sam Houston State on Sunday at noon as part of a combined dual match with the Owls men's tennis team, who will host UTRGV at the same time.