March 17, 2007
Box Score
Spartanburg, S.C. - Despite a strong outing and solid play at doubles, Kennesaw State fell to USC-Upstate, 9-0, on Saturday afternoon.
The Owls (1-13) got a good look at what will be the newest Atlantic Sun Conference member, USC Upstate (11-1) as the Spartans (ranked No. 12 in NCAA Division II) will leave the Peach Belt Conference after this season.
Kennesaw State varied the doubles lineup slightly against the Spartans and saw a competitive flight. Upstate took all three doubles matches with Karen Ammann and Jeni Thomas playing a strong match at No. 2 doubles.
"The team actually played a very solid match today against one of the best teams in the country in Division II," said head coach Brandon Padgett. "We tinkered with the doubles lineup today and all three doubles teams played quite well."
The Owls dropped all six singles matches in straight sets, but there was excellent play up and down the lineup, especially at No. 3 singles where Ammann dropped a tough match, 6-3, 6-4, to Daniela Lovera.
"Singles was also much more solid from top to bottom than in our match yesterday," added Padgett. " USC-Upstate is going to be a very strong opponent for other conference teams when they join the Atlantic Sun next year."
The Owls conclude their three-game road trip with a noon match against Wofford.
USC Upstate 9, Kennesaw State 0
Doubles
No.1 Novo/Nevenschwander (USCU) d. Cobos/Nakakura (KSU) 8-2
No.2 Hernandez/Lovera (USCU) d. Ammann/Thomas (KSU) 8-3
No.3 Martinez/Herrera (USCU) d. Page/Whalen (KSU) 8-2
Singles
No.1 Anna Novo (USCU) d. Mercedes Cobos (KSU) 6-2, 6-0
No.2 Susana Hernandez (USCU) d. Giselle Nakakura (KSU) 6-0, 6-0
No.3 Daniela Lovera (USCU) d. Karen Ammann (KSU) 6-3, 6-4
No.4 Diana Martinez (USCU) d. Jeni Thomas (KSU) 6-4, 6-1
No.5 Maria Herrera (USCU) d. Caroline Page (KSU) 6-3, 6-1
No.6 Vivian Nevenschwander (USCU) d. Lindsey Whalen (KSU) 6-2, 6-1
Exhibition Contanza Avanda (USCU) d. Morgan Wolkin (KSU) 6-1, 6-2
