Statesboro, Ga. –  The Eagles (2-0) defeated the Mercer Bears (0-5) Saturday from the Wallis Tennis Center.  Hanging tough after losing the crucial doubles point, the Eagles rallied to win 5 of 6 singles matches to take the team victory by a score of 5-2.

"Mercer seemed to be a pretty consistent team down the lineup," commented Head Coach Michele Stanford.  "We did a great job being patient and waiting for the right time to step up and play our aggressive game styles."

Georgia Southern struck first as the No. 1 doubles team of Mary Phillips Smith and Anne Kurzweil handled Grace Korta and Roxy Bartz 6-1.  Drawing even, Mercer's No. 3 doubles tandem of Haley Powell and Xandra Fougner defeated Jordana Klein and Giulia Riepe 6-2.  

A few moments later, Mercer secured the doubles point when the No. 2 duo of Francisca Norregaard and Daria Vasekina fell to Laura Kelly and Liza Klyachkin 2-6.  At the conclusion of doubles, the Bears led the match 1-0.

The Eagles drew even in the match when Norregaard defeated Kelly 6-1, 6-3 at No. 6 singles.  At No. 3, Kurzweil added the go ahead point when they took care of Bartz 6-0, 7-5.  

With the team score at 2-1, Mercer's Powell tied up the match again by defeating Vasekina 6-2, 6-3 at No. 4 singles.  Georgia Southern tipped the scoreboard in their favor when Riepe got the victory over Klyachkin 6-2, 6-3 at No. 5. 

Klein claimed the win for the Eagles by securing the 4th point when she took down Fougner at No. 1 6-4, 6-4.  Smith added the punctuation point at No. 2 singles, when she fought off a first set loss to get the win over Korta 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The Eagles remain perfect on their spring season at 2-0, while the Bears fall to 0-5.  

Concluded Stanford, "I am very proud of the team for their dedication on the court today.  Go Eagles!"

The Eagles remain at home Sunday Feb. 1st when they challenge Savannah College of Art and Design at 1 p.m. from the Wallis Tennis Center.

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