PHOENIX – The New Mexico State women's tennis team edged UT Rio Grande Valley Saturday evening 4-3 despite clinching the match 4-1 to remain prefect in Western Athletic Conference play at the GCU Tennis Facility.
 
The Aggie pair of Harsha Challa and Gavi Kalaga first took down UTRGV's top pair 6-1 before Chloe Gavino and Rebecca Keijzerwaard clinched the doubles point with a 6-4 win on court No. 3. Right after the match was clinched, Lindsay Harlas and Yadira Rubio bested their foes at the No. 2 doubles position 6-3 to complete the doubles sweep.
 
The Vaqueros tied the match up immediately, 1-1, in singles play when Nethmi Waduge bested Gavino – who played one spot up at No. 5 6-3, 7-6. Challa gave New Mexico State the lead back with a 6-4, 6-1 victory on court No. 3 before Harlas gave NM State match point with a 6-4, 6-1 triumph on court No. 2.
 
Kalaga, playing in the No. 6 singles position after Neus Torregrosa was scratched from the No. 4 spot, clinched the match for New Mexico State with a thrilling 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 win over Sandra Putz. The Vaqueros claimed wins on courts No. 4 and No. 1 afterwards, but it was too little too late.
 
New Mexico State will wrap up the first pod play of WAC action with a 1 p.m. (MT) match against host Grand Canyon on Sunday, March 24, at the GCU Tennis Facility.