CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On a blustery day at the Champions Club Tennis Center, the Kennesaw State women's tennis team dropped a heartbreaking 5-2 decision to the Lady Mocs of Chattanooga (5-1).  The host team won two of three doubles matches, before pulling out three crucial three-set matches to hold off the charge of the Owls (5-3).

In the doubles, the Owl duo of Jana Hueckinghaus and Vera Shkundina picked up the victory at the No. 2 doubles spot with a quick 8-2 win over the Mocs duo of Jenna Nurik and Shaina Singh.  Chattanooga, however, won at the No. 1 and No. 3 spot to pick up the doubles point.

In the singles, the Owls raced to first set wins in four of the six matches, giving themselves a chance for the comeback.  The home team proved too strong, however, despite straight set wins for Alexandra Apostu and Virginie Stein at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.  Dropping three set matches for the Owls were Shkundina, Hueckinghaus, and Therese Lagerkvist.

The Owls will take the week to regroup and prepare for their conference opener on Thursday, March 1, against Florida Gulf Coast University.  The team will travel to Florida for the match with FGCU and remain there for four matches, including another conference match with Stetson University on March 3.

CHATTANOOGA 5, KENNESAW STATE 2

Doubles
1) Kaylene Chadwell/Alexa Flynn (UTC) def. Alexandra Apostu/Virginie Stein (KSU) 8-4
2) Jana Hueckinghaus/Vera Shkundina (KSU) def. Jenna Nurik/Shaina Singh (UTC) 8-2
3) Emily Hangstefer/Brianna Wishing (UTC) def. Kelsey Kennedy/Therese Lagerkvist (KSU) 8-1