LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State women's tennis team opened up Western Athletic Conference play with a strong 5-2 victory over Seattle U at the NM State Tennis Center Friday afternoon.
 
The day opened with the Aggies (5-7, 1-0 WAC) taking the doubles point thanks to its No. 3 and No. 2 teams. Lindsay Harlas and Gabrielle Joyce skunked their opponents on court No. 3 while Rimpledeep Kaur and Marie-Pier Thiffault won 6-4 on court No. 2 after Seattle U took doubles No. 1 7-5.
 
Vanessa Valdez made quick work of opponent at No. 2 singles with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Eli Arnaudova pushed the Aggie lead to 3-0 when she defeated Kali McCollister 6-2, 6-3 on court No. 5. The Redhawks (7-8, 0-1 WAC) got a point back on court No. 6 when Fanni Novak dropped a 6-2, 6-4 decision.
 
SU cut the NM State lead down to 3-2 after Rebecca Keijzerwaard wasn't able to rally in the second set 7-6, 6-1 at the No. 3 position.
 
However, a three-set thriller from Kaur and SU's Michelle Lui went in favor of the Crimson & White to clinch the match before Harlas pulled away with the 6-4, 7-5 win on court No. 4.
 
New Mexico State will now face off against UMKC at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the NM State Tennis Center.