TIGERVILLE, S.C. — The Carson-Newman women's tennis team (4-3) picked up a non-conference win today as they defeated the North Greeneville University Crusaders (3-5) 6-3 in a contest in the Palmetto State.

Carson-Newman has now won three of their last four matches.

"We played better today and we did a better job of staying focused on the process of competing," coach Jean Love said. "This means we did the little things better and more consistently." 

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead in the match due to the continued success in doubles play. Mallory Jackson (Erwin, Tenn) and Jill Corsato-Owsianka (Germany) defeated a pair of Crusaders to win No. 1 doubles with an 8-3 advantage. Jennifer Ott (Knoxville, Tenn) and Patricia Guerreiro (Portugal) were again victorious, winning the No. 3 match 8-3 as well. This stretches their undefeated mark to six straight duels.

Carson-Newman continued the trend into singles play as Jackson and Corsato-Owsianka picked up to quick wins. The No. 1 and 2 singles players compiled for 5-7, 6-4, 10-9 and 6-3, 6-0 victories respectively. Guerreiro then followed with a two-set 6-0, 6-0 victory to win at No. 3.

After failing to reach victories at both No. 4 and 5 singles, it all came down to the No. 6 player, Jennifer Ott, who hasn't played in a singles match all season.

"We had to leave Brooke (Sanderson) at home today for nursing clinicals," Love said. "So Jen Ott was inserted into the singles line up, played well, and won her singles match to clinch the team victory." 

The senior came through in a big way for her club, defeating her opponent handily, 6-4 and 6-1. 

Carson-Newman will again take the road as the Eagles re-embark in South Atlantic Conference play with a trip to Catawba Friday for a 1 p.m. match time. 

-CN-