HUNTSVILLE, Texas — NM State wrapped up its weekend in Conference USA play with a 1-1 record in Huntsville, opening with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sam Houston before falling 4-1 to Kennesaw State on this afternoon. The Aggies showcased resilience in Friday's nail-biting win, highlighted by a clutch performance from Mariella Gelbke, while Anna Klimova and Montana Parkinson-Lubold led consistent efforts across both matches.
NM State 4, Sam Houston 3
The Aggies opened the weekend on a high note, battling past Sam Houston in a tightly contested 4-3 victory at April Sound Country Club.
NM State secured the doubles point with strong performances from Mariella Gelbke and Nadia Nemeth at the top spot (6-3) and the duo of Dora Kurdi and Whitney Moon, who matched that score at No. 3 doubles.
In singles play, Montana Parkinson-Lubold delivered a key straight-set victory at No. 2 singles, earning a hard-fought 6-5, 7-6 win to put the Aggies on the board. Anna Klimova followed with a resilient comeback effort at No. 4 singles, rallying for a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory.
With the match tied and momentum hanging in the balance, Mariella Gelbke rose to the occasion at No. 6 singles, securing the clinching point in dramatic fashion. After taking the opening set, she regrouped in the third to earn a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win and seal the victory for NM State.
NM State 1, Kennesaw State 4
The Aggies returned to the court on Saturday but came up short against Kennesaw State, falling 4-1 at the Beckner Tennis Center.
Kennesaw State claimed the doubles point with wins on courts one and three, putting NM State behind early.
In singles action, Anna Klimova provided the lone point for the Aggies with a strong 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 4 singles, continuing her standout weekend. Several other matches remained competitive, including Montana Parkinson-Lubold and Emma Petton, who were both in the midst of three-set battles before play was halted.
UP NEXT
NM State will return to Las Cruces before preparing for its final regular season road swing. The Aggies will travel to Missouri for a pair of matches, beginning with a matchup against Saint Louis on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. in St. Louis. They will then close out the regular season on Sunday with a conference showdown against new league member Missouri State at 11 a.m. in Springfield.
For complete coverage of NM State women's tennis throughout the 2025-26 year, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Women's Tennis), Twitter (@NMStateWTEN) and Instagram (@NMStateWTEN).
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