Missouri Wins One of Six on Opening Day
Mariana Higuita Barraza's three-set victory was Missouri's only win as the women's tennis team opened the June Stewart Invitational.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Tennis
The Missouri women's tennis team won one of six matches on Day 1 of the June Stewart Invitational. Mariana Higuita Barraza defeated Emily Meng of Mississippi State 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, while the team's other singles and doubles matches ended in losses.
Why it matters
The result leaves Missouri with ground to make up as the invitational continues. Day 2 of the tournament is set to be played in Nashville on Saturday.
Missouri's Day 1 record stood at one win from six matches, with Higuita's 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory the only one. Both doubles matches were decided 7-5 against Missouri, and the outcome of the remaining Day 2 matches in Nashville had not been reported.
The players
Mariana Higuita Barraza
Missouri women's tennis player who won her singles match on Day 1 of the June Stewart Invitational.
Mississippi State
Southeastern Conference university whose players won several matches against Missouri on Day 1 of the June Stewart Invitational.
Vanderbilt
Nashville-based university whose doubles pair defeated Missouri's Chapman and Whiteside 7-5 on Day 1 of the June Stewart Invitational.
The details
Higuita won after dropping the opening set 3-6 before taking the next two 6-4 and 6-3. Alex Ackman fell 2-6, 0-6 to Mia Robinson, Danielle Chapman lost 3-6, 4-6 to Lauren Seye, and Evelyn Whiteside lost 2-6, 5-7 to Athina Pitta.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Day 1 of the June Stewart Invitational played.
Saturday: Day 2 of the June Stewart Invitational scheduled in Nashville.
Season Trajectory
Day 1 results at the June Stewart Invitational give Missouri an early benchmark in a multi-day event. Day 2 matches in Nashville will show whether the team can recover from a 1-5 opening.
Missouri must win more matches on Day 2 to improve its position in the June Stewart Invitational standings. Fans tracking the team can follow the Saturday Nashville matches for updated results.
The takeaway
Opening-day losses do not decide a multi-day invitational, so Missouri's Saturday matches in Nashville will matter for its final standing. Watching the doubles pairings may reveal whether the team can close tight sets.
What happens next
Day 2 of the June Stewart Invitational is scheduled for Saturday in Nashville.
Further reading
Follow more Missouri tennis coverage for the team's results throughout the season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Anniston Star.
