SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State tennis (1-1) lost their first match of the season 4-1 against Houston (2-3), following multiple delays and moving indoors due to weather. 
 
"I am extremely proud of our team today," said head coach Kendall Brooks. "I told the team we would have to raise our level to beat this team and I think they did just that. We competed well and some of the matches were a difference of a few key points that didn't go our way. Even though we lost, it was very encouraging for our season moving forward."
 
Doubles
Houston's Maria Dzemeshkevich and Azul Pedemonti finished first on court three after they defeated Andrea Pineda and Jadeh Chan 6-2. The Cougars secured the opening point of the match when Kate Malazonia and Mae McCutcheon lost 6-4 to Elena Trencheva and Sophie Schouten on court one. 
 
Kiana Graham and Emily Niers were tied 4-4 with Blanca Cortijo and Laura Slisane when play was stopped.  
 
Singles
Junior Kiana Graham earned the lone point of the match for the Bobcats. Graham defeated Dzemeshkevich 6-4, 6-1 on the top court. 
 
McCutcheon lost the first singles match 6-4, 6-2 against Schouten on line four. Malazonia lost a close 7-5, 7-5 on line three against Pedemonti to give Houston their third point of the match. 
 
Pineda went back-and-forth against Cortijo, but it wasn't enough in the 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (6-0) match where Houston clinched their fourth point. 
 
Sofia Fortuno and Emily Niers were both down in their first set when Houston clinched the match. 
 
Up Next
The Bobcats look to bounce back with their one match next weekend against UIW on Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. in San Antonio, Texas. Following that match, Texas State will host Tarleton State February 11 for their home opener.