MACON, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's tennis team earned a hard-fought win at Mercer by a score of 4-3 on Monday afternoon. With the win, KSU (4-0) is off to its best start since the 2011 season when the team began the year with seven consecutive wins. The Owls have now defeated the Bears (4-4) in back-to-back contests.
 
 "We brought great intensity and energy again in the doubles", said Director of Tennis Matt Emery. "It's always great to get a road win, especially against a tough in-state team like Mercer. I thought we let our foot off the gas a little bit near the middle/end of the match and let them hang around, but I was proud of the women for persevering and getting another road win."

For the fourth consecutive match, the Owls secured the doubles point. Taylor Dean/Kat Muzik earned a 6-3 win on court one, while Ji Youn Lee/Valentina Taddia secured the doubles point with a 6-2 route on court two. Soomin Kim/Sofia Pinedo were tied 4-4 on court three, but the match went unfinished due to the quick wins from their teammates.  
 
KSU split the singles points 3-3, making the doubles win the decisive factor in the match. Muzik was on fire today, earning a 6-1, 6-1 singles win from court one. Lee and Taddia followed suit, each needing only two sets to secure the victory. Lee was victorious by a score of 7-5, 6-4, while Taddia triumphed to a 6-2, 7-6 (5) win.
 
With the win, KSU has won four consecutive matches for the sixth time in school history. Up next, the Owls are back in action Saturday, Feb. 26 with in-state rival Georgia State. Start time is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Sharon Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park.
 
 
Kennesaw State 4, Mercer 3

Singles competition
1. Kat Muzik (KSUW) won 6-1, 6-1
2. Taylor Dean (KSUW) fell 4-6, 1-6
3.  Ji Youn Lee (KSUW) won 7-5, 6-4
4.  Valentina Taddia (KSUW) won 6-2, 7-6 (5)
5.  Sofia Pinedo (KSUW) fell 2-6, 3-6
6. Sophia Unger fell 3-6, 7-5, 4-6

Doubles competition
1. Taylor Dean/Kat Muzik (KSUW) won 6-3
2.  Ji Youn Lee/Valentina Taddia (KSUW) won 6-2
3.  Sofia Pinedo/Soomin Kim (KSUW) unfinished 4-4


Match Notes: Kennesaw State 4-0, Mercer 4-4
 

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