Box Score

AUBURN, Ala. - Head Coach Brandon Padgett's Lady Owls opened the regular season today with a 7-0 loss to No. 35 Auburn at the Yarbrough Tennis Center. The Southeastern Conference opponents were able to hold off a strong charge from the Owls in doubles before sweeping through the singles flight this afternoon.

"We came out very strong in doubles today and I could not be more proud of the effort we showed," commented Padgett.  "We have been working hard on improving our doubles, and that was evident in the performances today."

The sophomore duo of Vera Shkundina and Alena Sergeychik held a break advantage for most of their doubles match until Shkundina was broken at 6-5, and Auburn’s  Fani Chifchieva and Caroline Thornton were able to hold on for the 8-6 win.

Kennesaw State’s two other doubles matches were also competitive, as Ayano Tanaka and Iesha Holton dropped an 8-3 decision at No. 2, followed by an 8-4 defeat by the No. 3 team of Morgan Carney and Therese Lagerkvist. Agatha Palider and Mackenzie Swindall, one of the most successful doubles teams for the Owls last season, sat out the match with minor injuries.

The Tigers (1-0) were dominant in the singles portion of the match, rolling to victory in all six positions in straight sets.  The Owls (0-1) had strong performances in the middle of the lineup, however, as junior captain Ayano Tanaka played a close first set against Thornton at No. 3, before falling 6-4, 6-0. Lagerkvist, a freshman from Koping, Sweden, also had a strong showing at No. 4, falling 6-3, 6-2 to Daniela Vukadinovic.

"This is the most difficult team on our schedule," added Padgett.  "We were able to play some very strong doubles, and played without two of our regular starters today, so I can't complain.  It is always disappointing to lose, but I am happy with the way we competed today for the most part, especially in the doubles."

The Owls return to the court on Friday, Jan. 29, at the University of Memphis, where they will take on the Tigers at the Racquet Club of Memphis. First serve is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CST.