TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (1/19/26) – Freshmen Meghna Arun Kumar and Helena Bueno won singles matches, but North Alabama dealt the Arkansas State women's tennis team a 4-2 setback Monday.

"This result hurts and definitely will serve as a wake up call," said A-State head coach Sujay Lama. "North Alabama was hungrier and mentally stronger. We will learn from this loss and use it as a catalyst to becoming a mentally strong team."
 
Sarah Millard and Hanmare McAslin paired up for a 6-3 decision on court three to start doubles play, but North Alabama evened the doubles point with a 6-3 win at court two against Bueno and Anna Grigoreva. The doubles point came down to a tiebreak on court one with Lilly Cvanciger and Carla Muro Castellvi coming up short 7-3 in the tiebreak.
 
Arun Kumar evened the match 1-1 with a 6-0, 7-6 (5) decision on court six. Muro Castellvi fell 6-3, 6-4 on court five to Senem Ocal to give the Lions a 2-1 advantage, but Bueno gave A-State a 2-1 lead with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win on court four. North Alabama evened the match 2-2 with Cvanciger falling 6-4, 7-6 (4) to Emma Ansorge and won the match at court one with Eeva Ristola topping Grigoreva 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.
 
The Red Wolves home opener is Friday, January 23, with a 5 p.m. contest at Jonesboro Country Club against Tennessee State. The first 50 fans receive a free t-shirt and free pizza and Lamanade will be available.