Match 3
Score: Kennesaw State 3, Alabama State 3 (match called due to rain) | Box Score
Records: Kennesaw State (0-2), Alabama State (3-3)
Up Next: Sunday, Feb. 19 vs. UAB, 11 a.m. | "Breakfast with the Owls" -- free coffee & donuts for fans while supplies last
 
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's tennis team played for nearly six hours into Saturday night, but a thrilling match between the Owls and Alabama State was not finished as rain forced unplayable court conditions at the Betty Siegel Courts.
 
The match was tied at 3-3, with the doubles point up for grabs to determine the winner. But a brief rain early in doubles action made for unplayable conditions and the match was not finished. It will not be completed.
 
With Alabama State leading 3-2, sophomore Jessica Cantrell pulled out a back-and-fourth three-setter to even the match at 3-3 and force the decisive doubles point. With all other singles matches complete, and all eyes on her court, Cantrell dropped the opening set 7-5, but rallied for a 6-0 win in the second set and gutted out a stirring 7-5 set in third to earn the victory.
 
The women's contest, originally scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., was delayed nearly four hours by rain. Six hours after play began, another blast of rain ended the night before a winner was determined.
 
"The women had to deal with some difficult situations; things we haven't seen," said Director of Tennis Eduardo Rincon. "But they responded very well. I'm really proud of Jessica. Her fitness level really showed late in that match, and she came through in the clutch for us. And Alex (Mercado) had a big win at No. 3 to get us going."
 
Junior Alexandra Mercado pulled out a come-from-behind three-set victory over Gabriela Lackova, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. Mercado was down 3-0 in the final set before rattling off the final six games in a row to claim the win.
 
Kennesaw State's other singles wins came from Laura Hopton, who prevailed in a three-setter over Mima Curcic, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5.
 
Hopton then teamed with Jada Tijani and were leading 4-1 in doubles before the rain. The Owls were trailing by narrow 3-2 margins in the other two doubles matches.
 
The Owls are back in action Sunday morning at 11 a.m. versus UAB. Sunday is Breakfast with the Owls and free coffee and donuts will be served for fans, while supplies last.
 
Singles
1. Reka Szentes (ASU) def. Cristina Perez-Martin (KSU) 6-4, 6-0
2. Marine Cartier (ASU) def. Kennedy Craig (KSU) 6-3, 6-4
3. Alexandra Mercado (KSU) def. Gabriela Lackova (ASU) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
4. Laura Hopton (KSU) def. Mirna Curcic (ASU) 7-5, 4-6, 7-5
5. Marija Blazevic (ASU) def. Aspen Jarrett (KSU) 6-4, 7-5
6. Jessica Cantrell (KSU) def. Brankica Orlovic (ASU) 5-7, 6-0, 6-4

Doubles
1. Cristina Perez-Martin/Alexandra Mercado (KSU) vs. Reka Szentes/Marine Cartier (ASU) 2-3, unfinished
2. Laura Hopton/Jada Tijani (KSU) vs. Brankica Orlovic/Mirna Curcic (ASU) 4-1, unfinished
3. Aspen Jarrett/Kennedy Craig (KSU) vs. Gabriela Lackova/Marija Blazevic (ASU) 2-3, unfinished

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's tennis news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUWomensTennis or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.

-#GoKSUOwls-

 

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