RALEIGH, N.C. - The Shaw women's tennis team took a hard-fought match 5-4 against Bluefield State in a contest played Sunday afternoon at Biltmore Hills Park.

Down a woman, the Lady Bears forfeited both the number three doubles and number six singles matches.

Claudia Silva and partner Gislaine Farias claimed an 8-1 win at number one doubles, while Jessica Medina and Menel Ben-Cheikh won their match at number two doubles 8-6, which knotted the match at 2-2.

While the four and five singles lost early, Silva and Farias bounced back with strong wins to again tie the contest, this time at 4-4.

That left it to Medina, who claimed a 6-3, 6-1 win to give Shaw the victory.

The Lady Bears return to action on Wednesday, when they travel to Fayetteville State.