BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin – The MSOE women's tennis team played tight throughout its lineup in a tough 5-4 loss to North Park Saturday afternoon at Highlander Elite.

The Raiders (4-9) had lost to the Vikings 7-2 in April but demonstrated steady improvement in this meeting, coming close to a redemptive victory. Three singles matches went to three sets and two of the doubles points finished 9-7.

Sophomores Katie Clements and Cierra Smith led the way, combining on three team points. Each won their singles assignments handily and combined on a 9-7 victory in the No. 2 doubles position. Clements posted a 6-0, 6-0 shutout at No. 3 singles and Smith went 6-2, 6-0 for her No. 4 win.

Those were the only two singles matches that were not close.

Junior Olivia Boden rounded out the Red & White singles winners at No. 6. She rebounded from an opening-set loss for resounding wins over the second set and tiebreaker to prevail 4-6, 6-2, 10-2.

NPU picked up three-set wins at No. 1 and No. 5 while the No. 2 match was as almost close as a two-setter can go, with the Vikings escaping 7-6 (7-5), 7-5.

The remaining doubles points were settled by an 8-3 score at No. 1 and 9-7 at No. 3.

The Raiders are back at it in league play Friday at Lakeland.