Match 11
Score: Kennesaw State 4, Western Carolina 3 | Box Score
Records: Kennesaw State (4-7), Western Carolina (11-5)
Up Next: Wednesday, March 22 vs. USC Upstate, 10 a.m.
 
KENNESAW, Ga. -- The Kennesaw State women's tennis team defeated visiting Western Carolina, 4-3, Saturday in non-conference action at the Betty Siegel Courts.
 
The Owls (4-7) won the doubles the point, and claimed three of the first four singles matches to clinch their fourth victory this spring and third win in the last four matches. WCU slipped to 11-5.
 
Kennedy Craig and Alexandra Mercado were each 2-0 on the day to lead the Owls.
 
"This was a solid performance from the team," said Assistant Head Coach Miranda Foley. "We came out and played some really good, disciplined doubles at all spots that helped propel us forward into singles. It was a tough battle in singles but we got the job done when we needed to. It was a great way to finish off the non-conference part of our season."
 
Mercado and Elle Baker got the day started with a 6-2 win at No. 2 doubles, and the point was clinched when Craig and Jessica Cantrell won 6-3 at No. 3.
 
Craig was the first singles match to finish as she rolled 6-3, 6-1 win over Madison Riley at No. 4. Mercado was next in line, knocking off Jordan Strickland, 6-2, 7-6, at No. 1. Mercado, who came from 5-2 down in the second set to win in a tiebreaker, has won two straight singles matches and improved to 7-4 in singles play this spring.
 
The Catamounts got one back with a win at No. 6, but the Owls clinched the victory when Cristina Perez-Martin beat Savannah Taranto at No. 2, 7-6, 6-4.
 
The Owls are back in action Wednesday when they welcome USC Upstate in their ASUN Conference opener. First serve is set for 10 a.m. at the Betty Siegel Courts.

Singles
1. Alexandra Mercado (KSU) def. Jordan Strickland (WCU) 6-2, 7-6
2. Cristina Perez-Martin (KSU) def. Savannah Taranto (WCU) 7-6, 6-4
3. Alexa Webb (WCU) def. Laura Hopton (KSU) 2-6, 6-2, 7-5
4. Kennedy Craig (KSU) def. Madison Riley (WCU) 6-3, 6-1
5. Elizabeth Ansari (WCU) def. Jessica Cantrell (KSU) 7-5, 6-2
6. Lauren McCall (WCU) def. Aspen Jarrett (KSU) 7-6, 6-3

Doubles
1. Laura Hopton/Cristina Perez-Martin (KSU) vs. Savannah Taranto/Jordan Strickland (WCU) 5-4, unfinished
2. Alexandra Mercado/Elle Baker (KSU) def. Elizabeth Ansari/Madison Riley (WCU) 6-2
3. Jessica Cantrell/Kennedy Craig (KSU) def. Lauren McCall/Alexa Webb (WCU) 6-3

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.

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