LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The Thunderbird women's tennis team opened their regular season against Grand Canyon University on Friday in Las Vegas, where they fell to GCU in a tight 4-3 contest.

"We had an opportunity to win the doubles point at No. 3 but couldn't capitalize on it," SUU head coach Rose Ketmayura said. "Dani (Cozzi) had a great match in singles but her opponent played great on the big points. It was a good first match and a good start to our season."

Last season the Thunderbirds fell to Grand Canyon 7-0, finding a much better result this time around.

SUU picked up a point in the No. 1 singles spot, when Ghita Nassik picked up a 6-2, 6-4 victory for the Thunderbirds. She topped GCU's top player Martine Lo Pumo.

Eira Tobrand picked up a point for the T-Birds in the No. 2 singles spot, knocking off Lana Rinaldi of GCU 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. Tobrand was really able to find her groove in the third set of that back-and-forth affair.

Alexandra Ngo was victorious in the No. 6 spot for the Thunderbirds, topping GCU's Autum Prudhomme 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3.

The Thunderbirds will return to action on Sunday when they take on the Air Force Academy Falcons in Las Vegas.  

Follow the Thunderbirds all season @SUUWTennis on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Women's Tennis page on Facebook.

Singles Competition

1. Ghita Nassik (SUU) def. Martina Lo Pumo (GCU)  6-2, 6-4

2. Eira Tobrand (SUU) def. Lana Rinaldi (GCU) 7-5, 4-6, 6-1

3. Valentina Mokrova (GCU) def. Daniela Cozzi (SUU) 1-6, 7-6, 7-6

4. Celina Buhr (GCU) def. Mikala Lowrance (SUU) 6-1, 6-4

5. Emilia Occhipinti (GCU) def. Charity Sagiao (SUU) 7-5, 6-3

6. Alexandra Ngo (SUU) def. Autum Prudhomme (GCU) 6-4, 6-7, 6-3

Doubles Competition

1. Lana Rinaldi/Emilia Occhipinti (GCU) def. Ghita Nassik/Daniela Cozzi (SUU) 6-2

2. Mikala Lowrance/Alexandra Ngo (SUU) def. Valentina Mokrova/Celina Buhr (GCU) 6-4

3. Martina Lo Pumo/Kylie Waschuk (GCU) def. Laura Martin/ Teresa De Enrique Schmidt 6-4 

Match Notes

Grand Canyon 1-0

Southern Utah 0-1