KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw State women's tennis concluded its regular season with a 4-2 loss to Louisiana Tech on Sunday afternoon at Betty Siegel Courts.
The loss sends the Owls to 11-6 overall, and 3-1 in Conference USA play ahead of next week's CUSA Championships.
"This was a tough one today that came down to the wire at the end," said KSU director of tennis
Matt Emery. "I thought we missed an opportunity ty put a point on the board in doubles, and that ended up having a big impact on the match."
While LA Tech took court two from the Owls 6-3, the doubles decision came down to tie-breaks on courts three and one.
Laura Nadaska and
Rianna Coreisa battled back to force a tie-break on court three before eventually falling 7-6 (7-3) to June Vigneron and Mio Kozaki.
Ema Baraniakova and
Sofia Madrid nearly toppled Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker in a 7-6 (7-5) final on one. Epps and Walker are currently the nation's 69
th-ranked doubles pair.
Madrid got a point back for the Owls in No. 2 singles with an efficient 6-0, 6-2 defeat of Nina Skoric. Madrid's Sunday win now gives her a team-high 10-match singles win streak.
Maria Ivankovic tacked on KSU's second score of the day in a 7-5, 6-3 win over LA Tech's Diana Starodubtseva on court three.
Madrid and
Izabelle Persson, the Owls' two departing seniors, were honored before Sunday's match.
"I want to give a huge shoutout to our seniors, Sofia and Bella," Emery said. "They have been invaluable pieces of our program these past four years and are two of the best people I've had the pleasure of coaching."
Up Next
The Owls now turn to postseason play with the Conference USA Championship held April 15-18 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
"Overall, I love the way we are playing and competing heading into the CUSA Tournament this week," Emery said.
KSU will learn its seeding for the tournament on Monday.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
