ABILENE - The Tarleton TexAnn Tennis team defeated Incarnate Word 5-1 in first round action at the South Central Regional Championships at Eager Tennis Center in Abilene on Thursday.

Chrissie Cooper and Jade Charlot defeated Stephanie Rodriguez and Mary Trautmann (8-3) and Adriana Jaskova and Evgeniya Prokofeva defeated Cissie Drame and Karen Rodriguez (8-2) to give the TexAnns a 2-0 advantage.  Natalia Yanes and Melanie ZIlles were upset in doubles action by Erica Engberg and Sarah Carswell and the TexAnns headed to singles play up 2-1.

Yanes bounced back in No. 1 singles to defeat S. Rodriguez (6-4, 6-0) to give the TexAnns a 3-1 lead.  Cooper defeated Trautmann (6-3, 6-2) and Prokofeva took care of K. Rodriguez (6-4, 6-2) to give Tarleton the first round match.

The win moves Tarleton, the No. 4 seed, into the championship match where they will face the No. 1 seed, Abilene Christian on Friday.  First service is set for 10 a.m.

Semifinals
#4 Tarleton State TexAnns 5, #5 Incarnate Word Lady Cardinals 1

Singles
1) Natalia Yanes, TSU, def. Stephanie Rodriguez, UIW, 6-4, 6-0
2) Chrissie Cooper, TSU, def. Mary Trautmann, UIW, 6-3, 6-2
6) Evgeniya Prokofeva, TSU, def. Karen Rodriguez, UIW, 6-4, 6-2

Doubles
1) Erica Engberg-Sarah Carswell, UIW, def. Natalia Yanes-Melanie Zilles, TSU, 8-6
2) Chrissie Cooper-Jade Charlot, TSU, def. Stephanie Rodriguez-Mary Trautmann, UIW, 8-3
3) Adriana Jaskova-Evgeniya Prokofeva, TSU, def. Cisse Drame-Karen Rodriguez, UIW, 8-2