MARYVILLE, Missouri - The Northwest Missouri State University women's tennis team dropped a 5-2 decision at home to Harding University.

The Bearcats are 2-3 on the season.

Harding jumped out to a 1-0 lead by scoring wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.

Northwest freshman Vera Alenicheva remained perfect on the season with a three-set win over Harding's Rylie Cox Evans at No. 1 singles. Alenicheva is 5-0 this spring.

Fellow Northwest freshman Tessa Kwakernaak produced the Bearcats other win at No. 2 singles. Kwakernaak notched a 7-6, 6-3 triumph over Harding's Emily Carpenter.

The Bearcats will be back in action home next weekend with matches against Newman (Friday, 2 p.m.) and Emporia State (Saturday, 1 p.m.).