RADFORD, Va. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's tennis dropped a heartbreaking 4-3 decision to Radford in a non-conference match Thursday afternoon.
 
It was a gritty battle by the Spartans. After dropping the doubles points, UNCG got wins during singles competition from Ariana Chan, Olivia Gallagher, and Juliana Craft to put itself in position for a victory.
 
The Spartans faced some adversity as No. 1 singles player Erika Barquero played sick and No. 4 singles player Eugenia Camacho dropped a three-set match in a tiebreak. Despite the setback, this is another effort in which the Spartans can build from as they begin Southern Conference competition.
 
"Tough loss today," UNCG women's tennis coach Paul Thomson said. "The girls are fighting and the team is growing. I am proud of the efforts."
 
Chan started strong at No. 2 singles by breezing to a 6-0 victory in the first set. She closed out the match with a 6-4 win in the second set. Craft's 6-4, 6-2 triumph at No. 3 singles knotted the match at 2-2.
 
Gallagher came through with a huge and thrilling three-set victory at No. 6 singles that gave UNCG a 3-2 advantage in the overall match. She won the first set, 7-5. After dropping the second set, 6-2, Gallagher dominated the third set to take the match, 6-0. Gallagher and McCullough Perry also dropped a tough 7-5 decision at No. 3 doubles.
 
Radford recovered to win the final two singles matches.
 
"Emotions were high, and we were super close to taking the win today," Craft said. "We were all screaming and cheering till the end. The positive takeaways were how many of us were fighting in third sets and grinding. No matter our differences we were cheering on every match till the end. Our team spirit really showed through today."

UNCG returns to action when it hosts Western Carolina on Saturday at 2 p.m.