VICKSBURG, Miss. – The Alcorn State University women's tennis program will be in action Tuesday when it takes on Arkansas State at 1 p.m. at Halls Ferry Road Courts.
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It marks the only scheduled match of the season in Vicksburg for the Lady Braves (5-11, 4-4 SWAC) which has been a second home for the program. Last year, the women beat both Northeastern Oklahoma State and Delta State on those same courts.
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Alcorn is looking to win its third consecutive match after topping Mississippi Valley State 4-0 and Alabama A&M 4-1 to wrap-up the second SWAC Round-Up event. The Lady Braves are also looking to win their second straight non-conference match after drubbing Delta State on the road 8-1 on March 14.
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Junior
Marlene Maier has stood out for Alcorn this season as she finished a perfect 8-0 in SWAC singles. She's also 10-2 overall and has played mainly at the No. 5 position. Maier is on a nine-match winning-streak.
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Also hot as of late, sophomore
Anastasia Vaganova has won four consecutive singles matches. She ended 4-1 in conference with the majority being at No. 4 singles.
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At the top, junior
Bianca Birkenstock has played every match at No. 1 singles this year. She's 5-5 overall with a 4-2 conference record.
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Arkansas State enters play with a 3-9 overall record. It has wins over Northern Kentucky 4-3, Southeast Missouri State 4-3 and Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-0. The Red Wolves have been strong in doubles as Shelby King/Shannon O'Brien are 6-2 at the No. 2 spot and Sabina Jeresic/Kristy Venter are 5-4 at No. 3.
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The Red Wolves come in well-rested and will play their first match in 12 days.
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Tuesday marks the first-ever match between Alcorn and Arkansas State. The earliest recorded tennis competition at Alcorn was in 1956, while Arkansas State's first year was 1985.
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The Alcorn men's team will not be in action until Thursday when it travels to Nicholls State for a 1:30 p.m. start.
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#FearTheBrave
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