MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Kennesaw State women's team turned in its best performance of the season on Friday (Feb. 12) as it defeated Jacksonville State, 5-1, during the first day of the Alabama State Invitational hosted by Alabama State at the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center in Montgomery.
 
The Owls (1-4) won the doubles point and four of five singles matches that were completed to record their first win of 2016.
 
"This was a much needed win for this team. Everybody was on the same page today and it was great for one of our seniors, Bela (Isabela Castro) to get the clinching victory after being down 4-0 in the second set," assistant head coach Miranda Foley said. "We will enjoy this one for a bit but it is back to business again tomorrow (Saturday)."
 
Kennesaw State captured the doubles point after sophomores Cristina Martin and Laura Hopton, and senior Ashleigh De Wet and sophomore Alexandra Mercado won their matches at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, respectively.
 
In singles play, Martin, Mercado, Hopton and Castro all won their individual matches while playing at positions 1-4, respectively.
 
Kennesaw State returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 13) when it faces host Alabama State at 12 p.m. (ET).
 
Kennesaw State 5, Jacksonville State 1
Feb. 12, 2016
Montgomery, Ala.
 
Doubles
No. 1 Cristina Perez/Laura Hopton (KSU) def. Olivia Nguyen/Genevie Ulanday (JSU); 6-1
No. 2 Diana Mirceta/Claudia Marsala (JSU) def. Isabela Castro/Gabriela Bueno (KSU); 6-3
No. 3 Ashleigh De Wet/ Alexandra Mercado (KSU) def. Sadey St. Amant/Courtney Conley (JSU); 6-3
 
Singles
No. 1 Cristina Martin (KSU) def. Olivia Nguyen (JSU); 6-0, 6-2
No. 2 Alexandra Mercado (KSU) def. Genevie Ulanday (JSU); 4-6, 6-4, 10-8
No. 3 Laura Hopton (KSU) def. Diana Mirceta (JSU); 6-4, 6-4
No. 4 Isabela Castro (KSU) def. Claudia Marsala (JSU); 7-5, 6-4
No. 5 Sadey St. Amant (JSU) def. Ashleigh De Wet (KSU); 6-3, 6-4
No. 6 Jessica Cantrell (KSU) vs. Courtney Conley (JSU); DNF
 
Records
Kennesaw State: 1-4
Jacksonville State: 3-6
 
Order of Finish
Singles: 1, 3, 5, 4*, 2
Doubles: 1, 2, 3

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