Feb. 20, 2009
Final Stats
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's tennis team moved its record to 3-4 on the season after wrapping up a three-match homestand with a dominant 7-0 win over Alabama State at the KSU Tennis Complex on Friday afternoon.
"It is always nice to end a homestand with a win and a winning record," said Kennesaw State Head Coach Brandon Padgett. "Our women played well today and have continued to show improvement as they gain valuable experience."
The Owls lost only three total games in the victory, earning their third sweep of the season in the process. The loss moved Alabama State to 3-5.
Kennesaw State never looked back after winning all three doubles matches to take the early 1-0 lead. Agatha Palider and MacKenzie Swindall won 8-0 at No. 3 to move their record to 3-1 as a team. Ayano Tanaka and Vera Shkundina also won 8-0 at No. 1, while Morgan Carney and Alena Sergeychik combined for an 8-1 defeat of Sheniece Rawlins and Safiya Taylor at No. 2.
Palider remained undefeated in dual match singles on the season, winning 6-0, 6-0 over Shameka Williams at No. 4. The Owls sophomore is now 4-0 in singles and is yet to drop a set.
Shkundina also kept a streak alive with her 6-0, 6-1 win over Rawlins at No. 1, moving her winning streak to four matches and her season record at No. 1 to 6-1. Ufa, Russia-product already has the best start to a season at No. 1 in school history and is well on her way to recording the most wins in a single season.
The remainder of the Owls squad won in straight sets as well. Tanaka earned her first win in three matches with a 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Maria Hunter at No. 2. Alena Sergeychik and MacKenzie Swindall were also perfect, winning 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively. Rounding out the action for the Black and Gold was Morgan Carney, who won 6-0, 6-1 over Taylor at No. 3.
"Vera and Agatha continued to impress today, while Ayano looked strong in her win at No. 3," added Padgett. "Hopefully we can ride the momentum into our next match considering we have such a quick turnaround."
The team hit the road immediately following the match to travel to Tallahassee, Fla. for a showdown with Florida A&M at high noon on Saturday.
