HOUSTON -- The Western Michigan women's tennis team wrapped up its weekend trip to Texas by falling to No. 44 Rice, 7-0, on Sunday at the Galleria Athletic and Tennis Club. The match was moved indoors due to cold and windy conditions in the area.

The Broncos (8-8) dropped all the matches, but not without nearly taking a couple of decisions from the Owls (9-5).

In doubles, senior Yumi Matsuto and sophomore Maria Nivia took Rebekka Hanle and Rebecca Lin to a tiebreaker at No. 3 before falling, 8-7 (5).

In singles, Matsuto nearly got the win again by taking the first set at No. 4, but Ana Guzman bounced back for the win 3-6, 6-4, 1-0 (4).

The Broncos end their Texas trip with a split after defeating Sam Houston State, 4-3, on Friday in Huntsville. Western Michigan begins Mid-American Conference play next weekend with road matches at defending champion Miami on Friday and Ball State on Saturday.

#44 Rice 7, Western Michigan 0
Mar 21, 2010 at Houston, Texas (Galleria Athletic & Tennis Club)