VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of North Dakota women's tennis team dropped a 6-1 decision to South Dakota in the penultimate match of the regular season on Friday afternoon from the USD Tennis Courts in Vermillion, S.D. 

Despite the loss, North Dakota still remains in the fourth-and-final postseason spot in the league standings with one match remaining. A win by the Fighting Hawks on Sunday over St. Thomas or a loss by Omaha to Kansas City on Saturday would clinch a berth in the Summit League Tennis Championships for NoDak. 

The Coyotes jumped out to an early lead with a pair of victories on the No. 1 and 3 doubles courts to grab the 1-0 advantage. USD was able to take control of the match from there, claiming the next five singles contests to clinch the overall victory. 

UND was able to put up strong fights on a multitude of sets, however, with losses on the No. 2 and 3 courts each going to a tiebreaker and Nore Heinitz grabbing a three-set win by a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 score from the fourth position to get the green and white on the scoreboard. 

North Dakota will honor its seniors and look to close out a perfect season at home on Sunday at 10 a.m. against St. Thomas from Choice Health and Fitness. 

For more information on North Dakota women's tennis, follow on social media @UNDwtennis or visit FightingHawks.com.