SUMTER, SC—Despite taking an early advantage, No. 44 Carson-Newman (11-8, 9-4 SAC) battled but couldn't overcome No. 6 Wingate (19-1, 12-0 SAC) in the SAC semifinals, falling 4-1.
The Eagles got a solid start after securing the point in doubles, but the Bulldogs surged back in singles, winning all four matches to clinch. However, C-N fought hard, as Leah McBride went to three sets in the No. 5 spot before eventually dropping the point. Despite a battle from the Eagles, the Bulldogs pulled away down the stretch to secure a spot in the SAC Championship match.
SINGLES RESULTS
No. 1: (36) Eva Siska (WU) def. Anita Chornei (C-N), 6-1/6-0
No. 2: (18) Chloe Kosmrlj (WU) vs. Natasha Forrest (C-N), 6-4/3-6/4-1 (dnf)
No. 3: Summer Reeves (C-N) vs. Suzuka Sambyakugari (WU), 7-5/6-6 (dnf)
No. 4: Fernanda Castillo (WU) def. Suryanshi (C-N), 7-5/6-1
No. 5: Claudia Vallejos (WU) def. Leah McBride (C-N), 2-6/6-3/7-5
No. 6: Annika Harkovirta (WU) def. Sindija Manovska (C-N), 6-0/6-1
C-N secured the early doubles point, earning wins in No. 1 and 3 doubles. The all-conference duo of Natasha Forrest and Summer Reeves battled for a win at the No. 1 spot, while Julia Speiser and Anita Chornei clinched the point with a dominant win at No. 3.
DOUBLES RESULTS
No. 1: Forrest/Reeves (C-N) def. Siska/Smabyakugari (WU), 6-4
No. 2: Kosmrlj/Kotara (WU) vs. Suryanshi/McBride (C-N), 5-4 (dnf)
No. 3: Speiser/Chornei (C-N) def. Harkovirta/Vallejos (WU), 6-1
With the loss, C-N's run in the SAC Tournament ends, and it will await its fate for the NCAAs. The Eagles were listed under consideration for the southeast region in the first regional rankings.
