Box Score 

KENNESAW, Ga. – Freshman Lara Mehlsam clinched the match with a three-set win in singles and the Kennesaw State women's tennis team held off Murray State, 4-2, to collect its first win on Sunday (Feb.24) at the Betty Siegel Courts.
 
The Owls picked up the doubles point in thrilling fashion. Juliana Castellanos and Kendall Nash came from behind to defeat Anja Loncarevi and Stasya Sharapova 6-4 at No.1. Brenna Reilly and Jessica Cantrell would clinch the point with a 7-6 win over Amina Hadzic and Sara Loncarevic at No. 3.
 
"Today's win was a total team effort," said Director of Tennis Matt Emery. "The girls did a great job of not putting too much emphasis on any point. We talked a lot this week about treating each point the same, from the first point to the last one and they did a tremendous job of that today. It's tough to highlight a specific performance on such a complete team effort but Lara did an unbelievable job of competing today, especially at the end of embracing the big moments."

After Murray State won the opening singles match to tie the score at one, KSU won three of the remaining five matches to clinch the win.

Aspen Jarrett got the Owls going in singles with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jeanne Masson at No. 6.

Kendall Nash held off a second set rally from Aarja Chakraborty 6-2, 7-6 at No. 3.

Mehlsam shut the door on the  Racers beating Shaysa Sharapova 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 at No. 2.

Emery credited his assistant coaches for helping the Owls to the win.

"I thought the assistant coaches also did a phenomenal job on the courts today. I was very grateful for my staff today."
 
The Owls homestand continues Saturday (Mar.2) versus Austin Peay. First serve at the Betty Siegel Courts is set for 10 a.m. Admission is free.

Kennesaw State 4, Murray State 2
Singles competition
1. Claire Chang (MUR) def. Juliana Castellanos (KSU) 6-2, 6-4
2. Lara Mehlsam (KSU) def. Stasya Sharapova (MUR) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
3. Kendall Nash (KSU) def. Aarja Chakraborty (MUR) 6-2, 7-6
4. Amina Hadzic (MUR) def. Elle Baker (KSU) 7-5, 7-6
5. Jessica Cantrell (KSU) vs. Sara Loncarevic (MUR) 6-3, 3-6, 2-2, unfinished
6. Aspen Jarrett (KSU) def. Jeanne Masson (MUR) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. Juliana Castellanos/Kendall Nash (KSU) def. Anja Loncarevi/Stasya Sharapova (MUR) 6-4
2. Jeanne Masson/Claire Chang (MUR) vs. Aspen Jarrett/Elle Baker (KSU) 5-5, unfinished
3. Brenna Reilly/Jessica Cantrell (KSU) def. Amina Hadzic/Sara Loncarevic (MUR) 7-6
Match Notes:
Murray State 3-4
Kennesaw State 1-8
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3); Singles (1,6,3,4,2)
  
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