FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- The CNU women's tennis team faced off against Methodist University in the USA South Athletic Conference regular season finale on Saturday, suffering a 6-3 setback against the Monarchs.

The Captains (11-6, 6-3) picked up three singles wins, and play was very tight across the board on Saturday, as Methodist improved to 18-2 overall, 8-0 in league play.

The Monarchs swept doubles play, but the Captains picked up at least four games in each match. Melisande Downs and Angela Stallman fell, 8-5, at No. 3 versus Stacey Brooks and Kelli Shelton in the closest match.

Then, in singles, CNU got on the board with three wins. Stallman picked up a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Emily Talley at No. 6 singles, Kim Morrissett won, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, over Rachel Purser at No. 2, and the Captains took the win at No. 1 as well. Sarah Stafford beat Katherine Meindl in a 6-2, 2-6, 10-5 final.

At No.'s 3 and 4, the Captains forced the first set to go to a seventh game. Marion Gloor dropped a 7-5, 6-3 decision at 3, to Laura Baker, and Jodi Noland lost 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 to Dana Powell.

CNU has one more tuneup before the conference tournament next week, as they host Virginia Wesleyan College on Tuesday, April 10 at 3:00 pm.

METHODIST 6, CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT 3

Doubles
1. Katherine Meindl-Laura Baker (MU) d. Sarah Stafford-Kim Morrissett (CNU) 8-4
2. Rachel Purser-Dana Powell (MU) d. Marion Gloor-Jodi Noland (CNU) 8-4
3. Stacey Brooks-Kelli Shelton (MU) d. Melisande Downs-Angela Stallman (CNU) 8-5

Singles
1. Stafford (CNU) d. Meindl (MU) 6-2, 2-6, 10-5
2. Morrissett (CNU) d. Purser (MU) 6-4, 1-6, 6-1
3. Baker (MU) d. Gloor (CNU) 7-5, 6-3
4. Powell (MU) d. Noland (CNU) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2
5. Shelton (MU) d. Downs (CNU) 6-1, 6-1
6. Stallman (CNU) d. Talley (MU) 6-3, 6-3

Match Notes
Christopher Newport: 11-6, 6-3 USA South
Methodist: 18-2, 8-0 USA South; Regional ranking #8
Order of finish: Doubles (3, 2, 1); Singles (5, 6, 4, 3, 1, 2)