JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman women's tennis team picked-up an 8-1 win over Mars Hill on Saturday afternoon at the Buddy Catlett Tennis Complex.
"This was a solid performance at most positions today." Carson-Newman tennis coach Jean Love said, "I was particularly pleased with our play at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. We stayed aggressive from first ball to last."
Carson-Newman (8-7, 7-3) used a strong start in doubles play to help them take the early lead over Mars Hill (5-12, 1-10). The No. 1 doubles team of Ali Harris (Crossville, Tenn.) and Jill Corsato-Owsianka (Germany) got things going for the Eagles. The duo defeated Jasha Geerdink and Evan Lake 8-4. The tandem improve to 7-6 on the season and 6-4 in conference play.
The Lions No. 2 doubles team of Dante Hart and Jade Henke shocked Alisa Liashova (Ukraine) and Klara Vuckovic (Germany) with 8-5 upset victory. The tandem of Liashova and Vuckovic saw their six match winning streak snapped on Saturday afternoon.
The final doubles pairing of Lindy Tatum (Henderson Tenn.) and Sydney Ledington (Corbin, Ky.) defeated Sophia Pelaez and Hannah Hill 8-2. The duo improve to 4-9 on the season and they are currently riding a two match winning streak.
"Singles play was strong today as well." Love said, "Ali at No. 1 came through with a tough three set win. Alisa (Liashova) and Jill (Corsato-Owsianka) were very workman-like in their matches. Klara (Vuckovic) hung on for the win, and Lindy (Tatum) was very god today. Sydeney (Ledington) finished off with a win at No. 6 singles."
Harris has started to turn her season around at No. 1 singles. The sophomore is currently riding a two match winning streak and has improved to 6-9 overall on the season. Harris defeated Geerdink in three sets 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Liashova picked up a 6-4, 6-4 straight sets victory over Lake at the No. 2 singles position. The freshmen from Ukraine is 7-8 on the year and 5-5 within conference play. Her fellow freshman Vuckovic picked up a close 6-1, 7-5 victory at No. 4 singles. Vuckovic is now 8-7 overall on the season and 7-3 within conference play.
Corsato-Owsianka continues to prove why she was a preseason all-conference selection. The junior won her fifth straight match at No. 3 singles with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Henke. Corsato-Owsianka is 9-6 on the season and 6-4 in conference play.
Ledington and Tatum rounded out singles play at No. 5 and No. 6 singles. Tatum picked-up a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Pelaez. The freshman from Tennessee is now 8-9 on the season and 6-4 in conference play. Ledington picked up an 8-4 win over Dani Potts to complete singles action. The junior is currently riding a three match winning streak and is 7-8 overall on the season.
"This team has really turned things around after a really poor performance at Wingate a few weeks ago." Love said, "They have settled down and focused on the process things that needed improvement. I am happy for them as they clinched a spot in the conference tournament with this win."
Carson-Newman will be back in action at home on Wednesday, April, 12 against North Georgia. The match is scheduled for a 2 p.m. first serve.
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