Box Score (PDF)

CULLOWHEE, N.C. --The Kennesaw State women's tennis team defeated Western Carolina, 4-3,to collect its first win of the season Friday at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

"What a great team effort," said Assistant Head Coach Miranda Foley. " Everybody from those playing the matches to the ones on the sidelines played there part today! Playing at a higher altitude presented us with some problems early in both doubles and singles but once we found our stride and adjusted we ended up being a part of a great college match and coming out of it with our maiden win for the season. Across the board everyone that played today got an individual win. Kenny and Elle won a close match at No.3 doubles, before Jada, Ale, Laura and Jess were able to pull out wins in their respective singles. Laura's win was especially pleasing seeing that she played a very dangerous opponent but she stuck with the game plan and her victory gave us that push towards the finish line. What a moment for Jess clinching the match. She and the team will remember this one for a while. On another note, we were missing one member of the squad today due to uncontrollable circumstances but we wanted to let Brenna know this ones for her."
 
Kennnedy Craig and Elle Baker got the day started with a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles, but the point was clinched by the Catamounts who picked up wins in the other two matches.
 
Jada Tijani was the first singles match to finish as she rolled 6-4, 6-1 win over Caitlin Ward at No. 6. Alexandra Mercado  was next in line, knocking off Jordyn King, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 1. Laura Hopton split the first two sets, but was able to hang on and defeat Savannah Taranto, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 at No.3.

The Owls clinched the victory when Jessica Cantrell beat Alexa Webb at No. 4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
 
The Owls are back in action Saturday (Feb.17) when they welcome Southern Miss in their 2018 home opener. First serve is set for 11 a.m. at the Betty Siegel Courts. Admission is free.

Singles
1. Alexandra Mercado (KSU) def. Jordyn King (WCU) 6-2, 6-4
2. Jordan Strickland (WCU) def. Kennedy Craig (KSU) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
3. Laura Hopton (KSU) def. Savannah Taranto (WCU) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2
4. Jessica Cantrell (KSU) def. Alexa Webb (WCU) 3-6, 6Jada Tijani 5. Lauren McCall (WCU) def. Elle Baker (KSU) 6-4, 6-3
6. Jada Tijani (KSU) def. Caitlin Ward (WCU) 6-4, 6-1

Doubles
1. Savannah Taranto/Jordan Strickland (WCU) def. Alexandra Mercado/Jessica Cantrell (KSU) 6-4
2. Jordyn King/Lauren McCall (WCU) def. Laura Hopton/Jada Tijani (KSU) 6-2
3. Kennedy Craig/Elle Baker (KSU) def. Carli Deehr/Alexa Webb (WCU) 6-4

 
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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