GREENSBORO - Members of the North Carolina A&T women's tennis team use phrases such as "dig deep", "fought hard" and "tried our best." In their only outdoor home match of the season, the Aggies lost to Gardner-Webb 6-0 at the Aggie Tennis Complex.

Despite the loss, the positive vibe coming from the Aggies stems from how much they have improved from the start of the season. Those words also help the Aggies stay motivated during the portion of the season where they can be competitive.

"During the beginning of the season we were playing teams that are more developed than us skill wise," said Azeib Nigatu. "Today, I can actually say I beat myself. Many of her points came off of my mistake. The competition has been so good; I haven't been able to say that. The points I did win was as I practiced."

Nigatu played a tough No. 2 singles match to Laura Kreitt where she was defeated 6-1, 6-1 on center court. No. 1 singles player Cayla Cross lost to Ioana Oprea 6-1, 6-0. But the most competitive match of the day occurred on Court 1 for the Aggies. Victorea Austin won rallies against Jenny Lunde in No. 3 singles. Lunde broke Austin's serve twice in the second set, leading her to a 6-2, 6-2 win.

The Bulldogs also took the doubles point as Nigatu and Cross teamed to take on Oprea and Lunde in what was an 8-2 final in favor of Gardner-Webb. In the other doubles match of the day, Kim Stallings and Austin were defeated by Rita Gouveia and Kreitt 1-8.  

The tennis team looks to "fight hard" again on Sunday, March 27 when they face UNC Wilmington in Cary at 4 p.m.