WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University women's tennis showed grit at the top of the lineup but dropped a 5-2 decision to Augustana College in a competitive CCIW match Sunday at home.

Augustana swept all three doubles courts to take an early lead, though Carroll pushed the Vikings at No. 3 doubles where Mia Franke and Aalaiya Jacklin fell just short in a 7-5 battle. From there, the Pioneers turned their attention to singles play and delivered two standout performances.

At No. 1 singles, Natasa Pupovac staged a dramatic comeback after dropping the second set. She clinched the match in a super tiebreak, 13-11, for her sixth win of the season. Katherine Trifilio added Carroll's second point at No. 2, grinding out a three-set thriller that ended in a 7-6(4) tiebreak in the final set. Both victories showcased Carroll's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Nawal Souki battled through a marathon match at No. 5, taking the second set before falling in a super tiebreak. Makayla Counsell and Mia Franke also pushed their opponents in competitive straight-set contests. Despite the final score, Carroll forced three matches to decisive sets and kept the pressure on throughout the afternoon.

The Pioneers will look to build on these efforts as they look ahead to the spring season as this concluded the fall portion of the year.