DELAND, Fla. - The women's tennis team saw its Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament debut come to an end in the quarterfinal round with a disappointing 4-2 loss to Campbell.  The Owls raced to first set leads in 4 of the 6 singles matches, but were not able to keep the momentum on their side and fell to the Camels.

In doubles, the ongoing woes continued for the Owls, who have struggled all season to put together solid doubles performances.  The Owls quickly dropped matches at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles to fall behind by a 1-0 count.  In singles, however, the Owls fought back to make the match the most competitive of the tournament so far.

The Owls and Camels split the first four matches which were completed, with the Camels picking up routine wins at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.  The Owls countered with wins by Therese Lagerkvist, who thoroughly dominated Anais Gomar of Campbell, 6-0, 6-1 at the No. 6 spot.  Vera Shkundina exacted revenge at the No. 1 spot, running past Lisa Sutton of Campbell, 6-1, 7-5.  Sutton had earlier defeated Shkundina in the season during the dual match against the Camels in February.

"Vera played inspired tennis today," commented head coach Brandon Padgett.  "I think she was a little disappointed with not making the first-team of the All-Conference selections.  She was determined to prove a point today and I think she did just that." 

Sutton was a first-team all-conference selection.  Her A-Sun record this season falls to 6-5 at the top spot, while Shkundina improves to 7-4.

WIth the match at 3-2 in favor of Campbell, both juniors on the team, Ayano Tanaka and Agatha Palider, were locked in three set battles.  Unfortunately for the Owls, Camel senior Ana Surviladze was able to clinch the deciding match in the tournament for the second year in a row, downing Tanaka 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.  Palider's match was not completed as the deciding point finished with her serving at 6-4, 4-6, 3-4 (30-love),

"Of course we are disappointed with the loss today," added Padgett.  "Agatha and Ayano fought so hard out there, and I am proud of their effort on court today.  They are such great leaders on this team, and they play with heart."

With the loss, the Owls finish their season with a 12-12 record.  The Owls do not have any players graduating from this year's team.