BUFFALO, N.Y. - After opening strong in doubles, four singles losses handed Miami University's women's tennis team a 4-3 loss to the University at Buffalo Sunday afternoon at the Miller Tennis Center.

The RedHawks took the doubles point, claiming wins at the first and third positions. Junior Nelli Ponomareva and sophomore Anzhelika Shapovalova defeated Tanja Stojanovska and Margarita Kotok, 6-4 while sophomore Emily Struble and senior Andreea Badileanu were back on top with a narrow win over Laura Holterbosch and Emel Abibula, 7-6 (7-3).

With the doubles point in hand, the RedHawks had a strong start in singles after junior Hannah Shteyn gave Miami a 2-0 lead with her win at no. 5 over Anna Savchenko, (6-3, 6-2). The Bulls responded with two wins over junior Anastaiisa Vasiukhina and Badileanu at the third and sixth flights, respectively. Struble put the 'Hawks back in the lead with her after overcoming a slow start against Mercedes Losada Rubio (3-6), to take the match in straight sets (6-2, 6-0).

Unfortunately, the Red & White were unable to secure the match, dropping matches at the first and second flight. Ponomareva fell to Stjanovska in a three-set battle (3-6, 6-3, 6-4). Shapovalova also fell in a tough match to Chantal Martinez Blanco (7-5, 6-4).

Miami has this week to prepare for their final dual match before the Mid-American Conference Championships. The RedHawks will take on Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti, Mich. next Sunday.

Doubles:

1.Nelli Ponomareva/Anzhelika Shapovalova (MIA) def. Tanja Stojanovska/Margarita Kotok (UB), 6-4

2. Chantal Martinez Blanco/Anna Savchenko (UB) def. Hannah Shteyn/Anastasiia Vasiukhina (MIA), 6-2

3. Emily Struble/Andreea Badileanu (MIA) def. Laura Holterbosch/Emel Abibula (UB), 7-6 (3)

Order of Finish: 2,1,3

Singles:

1.Tanja Stojanovska (UB) def. Nelli Ponomareva (MIA), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

2.Chantal Martinez Blanco (UB) def. Anzhelika Shapovalova (MIA), 7-5, 6-4

3. Emel Abibula (UB) def. Andreea Badileanu (MIA), 6-2, 1-6, 6-1

4. Emily Struble (MIA) def. Mercedes Losada Rubio (UB), 3-6, 6-2, 6-0

5. Hannah Shteyn (MIA) def. Anna Savchenko (UB), 6-3, 6-2

6. Sanjana Sudhir (UB) def. Anastasiia Vasiukhina (MIA), 6-3, 6-3

Order of Finish: 5,6,3,4,1,2