STATESBORO, Ga. – Friday evening the Eagles returned to the courts for an instate battle against Kennesaw State. The Eagles (7-8) would defeat KSU (4-6) 5-2 on the road to extend their winning streak to six straight. The six match streak marks the third time in as many years that the Eagles have posted six plus match winning streaks during the season (2016 – 6, 2017 – 7).

The Blue and White jumped out to an early lead, claiming the doubles point behind two huge victories on courts one and three. Murphy McCullough and Pascal Wagemaker clinched the point for the Eagles after being down 1-4 on a double break point. The two fought their way back into the match and would defeat their opponents 7-6 to give the Eagles a point heading to singles play.

In singles play Pascal and Murphy continued their success, both winning their matches in straight sets. Pascal defeated Byran Triana 6-2, 7-5, while Murphy defeated Harrison Wood 6-0, 6-3. The Eagles claimed a 3-2 lead at that point after courts one and two fell to the Owls. Diego Finkelstein clinched the match for the Eagles with a come from behind three set victory on court three. Finkelstein defeated Corey Smith 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 to clinch the match, while Santiago Suarez finished a three set match just after him to push the score to 5-2.

The Blue and White will have the rest of the weekend off and will return to the courts Thursday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. to host Lipscomb. The match will take place inside the Wallis Tennis Center and will be a short stop at home before heading on the road for three of the final road matches.
 
WHAT HEAD COACH KONING SAID
"The team played really well today. We brought the right energy to the match and kept our heads cool. There were a couple of times where the opponents made good runs and we were able to fend them off and play aggressive ourselves. Murphy and Pascal really helped us get started by winning a nail biter of a doubles match. They were down 1-4, double break, and fought their way back into the match. In the end they trusted their game and their fundamentals and pulled it out."
 
SINGLES RESULTS
Calvon Bracelo (KSU) def. Landin 6-1, 6-0
Torres Curth (KSU) def. Amari 7-6, 6-2
Finkelstein def. Smith (KSU) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2
Wagemaker def. Triana (KSU) 6-2, 7-5
Suarez def. Lahey (KSU) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
McCullough def. Wood (KSU) 6-0, 6-3
 
DOUBLES RESULTS
Finkelstein/Landin def. Barcelo/Torres Curth (KSU) 6-3
Amari/Suarez def. Smith/Wood (KSU) DNF
McCullough/Wagemaker def. Triana/Lahey(KSU) 7-6

NEXT UP
The Eagles will be back in action Thursday March, 15 against Lipscomb inside the Wallis Tennis Center.
 
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