ABILENE, Texas (March 27) – Central Oklahoma split a pair of matches here Saturday,  dropping an 8-1 Lone Star Conference decision to perennial power and No. 7-ranked Abilene Christian before shutting out Hardin-Simmons 5-0.

UCO's only win against the powerful Wildcats came at No. 1 doubles, where Virginie Rodriguez and Lacy Caldwell claimed an 8-3 victory. 

The No. 26-rated Bronchos bounced back easily in the afternoon against Hardin-Simmons, sweeping, all three doubles matches and then ended that match early with singles routs by Eli Abramovic and Rodriguez.

"It was good for us to end the trip on a win and bounce back after disappointing lost to Abilene," UCO coach Natalya Smith said.   "I am so proud of my team and how much improvement they have made with every match.  Considering how young and inexpereinced our team is with five freshmen, we have a lot to be proud of."

The Bronchos, now 11-3 overall and 1-1 in the league, return to action Wednesday when they host LSC rival Cameron.

UCO 5, Hardin-Simmons 0
Doubles
1 - Lacy Caldwell/Virginie Rodriguez, UCO, def. Lisa Mertz/Brittany Brazell, 8-5.
2 - Julia Shivadok/Eli Abramovic, UCO, def. Jennifer Cheung/Diane Crouch, 8-1.
3 - Rose Cabato/Anto Rossini, UCO, def. Danielle Cochran/Morgan Rainer, 8-2.
Singles
2 – Abramovic, UCO, def. Lauren Jay, 6-1, 6-2.
4 – Rodriguez, UCO, def. Danielle Cochran, 6-1, 6-0.

Abilene Christian 8, UCO 1
Doubles
1 - Lacy Caldwell/Virginie Rodriguez, UCO, def. Jaclyn Walker/Dina Pavlin, 8-3.
2 – Julia Mongin/Cassie Carver, ACU, def. Julia Shviadok/Eli Abramovic, 8-5.
3 – Hannah Kelley/White, ACU, def. Rose Cabato/Anto Rossini, 8-4.
Singles
1 - Mongin, ACU, def. Shviadok, UCO, 6-4, 7-6.
2 - Walker, ACU, def. Abramovic, UCO, 6-2, 6-2.
3 - Pavlin, ACU, def. Caldwell, ACU, 6-0, 6-3.
4 - Carver, ACU, def. Rossini, UCO, 6-2, 6-3.
5 - Kelley, ACU, def. Rodriguez, UCO, 6-1, 6-0.
6 - Natalie Friend, ACU, def. Cabato, UCO, 6-2, 6-0.