Springfield, Mo.— The Spires edged the Evangel Valor (MO) 4-3 on Thursday afternoon in a tightly contested road match for USM, using a strong start in doubles and three singles victories to secure the team result. The Spires took early control by winning two of the three doubles flights, then held on behind singles wins from Shannon Finn at No. 2, Monserrat Guerrero at No. 3 and Courtney Standley at No. 5.

That opening doubles point proved huge for USM. The Spires got a 7-5 win at No. 1 doubles from Mia Rojas and Finn over Morgado and Chaney, then added a 6-1 victory at No. 3 doubles as Standley and Arsys Rojas beat Cox and Hendrickson. Evangel's Antkowiak and Bjelica claimed No. 2 doubles over Rowen Weimers and Guerrero, but Saint Mary's two flight wins were enough to put the Spires in front entering singles play.

Finn delivered one of the day's most emphatic performances in singles, routing Maria Morgado 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2. Guerrero followed with a steady 6-3, 6-3 win over Antkowiak at No. 3, giving the Spires a second singles point. Standley added the clinching third singles victory at No. 5, beating Hendrickson 6-4, 7-6 in a match that tightened late before she closed it out in the second-set tiebreak.

Evangel kept the meet close by splitting the six singles flights. Chaney won a three-set battle against Mia Rojas at No. 1, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Bjelica earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Weimers at No. 4, and Glissen added a 6-4, 6-2 decision against Madyson Kline at No. 6. But Saint Mary's early edge in doubles left little margin, and the Spires' three singles wins were enough to preserve the 4-3 final.

Standout efforts came from Finn and Standley, who each contributed in both singles and doubles. Finn paired her shutout singles win with the No. 1 doubles victory, while Standley notched a straight-set singles win and teamed with Arsys Rojas for the decisive No. 3 doubles result. Guerrero also played a key role, adding USM's third singles point with a straight-set win at No. 3 as the Spires completed the narrow road victory.

The Spires will be back in action this Saturday, April 11^th versus the McPherson College Bulldogs on USM's home court for the final time this season for Senior Day recognitions! Matches are set to begin at 1:00 p.m. in Leavenworth.