Feb. 15, 2009
Final Stats
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's tennis team claimed the first two points that Jacksonville State has allowed all season but couldn't come away victorious, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Gamecocks in a heated Valentine's Day matchup.
The Owls (2-4) fought hard in singles, forcing three of six matches to a third set, but couldn't overcome the early deficit after losing all three doubles matches. JSU, who had won their first two contests of the season 7-0, moved to a perfect 3-0 on the season with the win.
"The team fought hard against what is probably the best team in the Ohio Valley Conference," said Kennesaw State Head Coach Brandon Padgett on the loss. "It's always tough to lose, but I am proud of the effort they displayed today."
Agatha Palider returned to action after sitting out Friday's tilt with Alabama A&M, earning one of KSU's two points with a straight-set 7-5, 6-2 win over Kristen Fuller at No. 6. The win moved Palider's singles record to a perfect 3-0 on the season and her combined record to 5-1.
Freshman Vera Shkundina earned the Black and Gold's other point, winning her third-straight match after claiming a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 decision from Viviane Marani at the top spot. Shkundina is now 5-1 at No. 1 in her young collegiate career and KSU's season leader in singles wins.
Ayano Tanaka and MacKenzie Swindall each pushed their opponent to a deciding third set before coming up just short of a win. Tanaka lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Rafaila Wenzel at No. 3 while Swindall fell 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to Eloah Lopes at No. 5.
Senior Mercedes Cobos and freshman Morgan Carney participated in the Owls other two matches, losing 6-4, 6-2 and 6-0, 6-1 at No. 4 and No. 2 respectively.
The Owls will remain in town for a Friday February 20th match with Alabama State before returning to the road on the 21st for a match with Florida A&M.
Singles Results
#1 Vera Shkundina (KSU) def. Viviane Marani 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
#2 Martina Desbesell def. Morgan Carney (KSU)6-0, 6-1
#3 Rafaila Wenzel def. Ayano Tanaka (KSU) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
#4 Julianna Renesto def. Mercedes Cobos (KSU) 6-4, 6-2
#5 Eloah Lopes def. MacKenzie Swindall (KSU) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
#6 Agatha Palider (KSU) def. Kristen Fuller 7-5, 6-2
Doubles Results
#1 Marani/Wenzel (JSU) def. Tanaka/Shkundina 8-2
#2 Desbessell/Lopes (JSU) def. Carney/Sergeychik 8-4
#3 Renesto/Fuller (JSU) def. Swindall/Cobos 8-3
