By, Marlene Estenssoro Pineda

DURHAM, N.C. – Freshman Cielo Tapia-Cruz improved her over singles record to above .500 on Tuesday, but the North Carolina A&T women's tennis team lost a 6-1 decision to North Carolina Central Saturday at the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts. 

Tapia-Cruz also won her doubles match on Tuesday. She is 3-4 this season when playing doubles. On Tuesday, she teamed with sophomore Florielvis Hurtado Pernaleta at No. 2 doubles as they defeated Kennedy Hill and Hannah Gaines, 6-2. 

The Hurtado and Tapia-Cruz duo improved to 2-2 on the season. However, the Aggies did lose the doubles point with losses at No. 1 and 3. 

Tapia-Cruz's singles match win came over Maria Picazo, 6-4-, 6-0 at No. 3 singles. At No. 2 singles, A&T sophomore Manuela Jimenez lost 6-3, 6-3 to Hill. It was followed by an A&T loss at No.1 by Hurtado, who had a tough match in her 6-4, 6-3 loss to Jade Houston. 

"I am happy with my match. It did not matter that I lost," Hurtado said. "I played against her last year, and the final score was completely different." 

Aggies lost No.6 by forfeit before Marlene Estenssoro Pineda lost in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 to Lafi Joao at No. 4. 

Junior Trinity Oliver lost the last singles match on the day, falling to Isabelle Exsted, 6-0, 6-0. 

The Aggies face Morgan State Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Dudley High School.