CLEMSON, S.C. - Georgia Southern women's tennis saw its six-match win streak to start the Spring come to a halt on Saturday with a 6-1 loss at Clemson.

Clemson improved to 6-1 on the young season with the win, while Georgia Southern falls to 6-1 on the year. The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday, taking on Mercer in a 2 p.m. in-state matchup from Macon.

The Tigers earned quick doubles wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles to take the doubles point. The Eagles' duo of Sonja Keranen and Ninon Martinache were leading at No. 2 doubles by a 4-3 score when play was halted.

Clemson earned the win with straight-set singles wins at the top four spots. Mackenzie Leopold battled bak from a first set deficit at No. 5 singles to win her second set against Leigh Van Zyl, but Van Zyl prevailed in a 10-point tiebreak. Paula Hijos came through with the Eagles' only point, rallying for a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win at No. 6 singles.

"Today was a great learning experience," Georgia Southern head women's tennis coach Sean McCaffrey said. "All of our ladies played tough, but Clemson was simply tougher during the most important key deuce points. We learned a lot from today and there is no doubt that all of the women are committed to working on everything to come back stronger on Wednesday at Mercer.

"I was particularly proud of both Mackenzie and Paula finding ways to push their matches to three sets, and for Paula showing so much courage in the final few games, when her opponent stepped up her game too."

RESULTS
Singles
1. Elena Louka (CLEM) def. Silvia Martinez (GS) 6-2, 6-4
2. Cristina Mayorova (CLEM) def. Ninon Martinache (GS) 6-2, 6-2
3. Jenna Thompson (CLEM) def. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 6-2, 6-1
4. Sophia Hatton (CLEM) def. Nanaka Kijima (GS) 6-3, 6-3
5. Leigh Van Zyl (CLEM) def. Makenzie Leopold (GS) 6-3, 5-7, (10-1)
6. Alexandra Anttila (CLEM) def. Paula Hijos (GS)

Doubles
1. Jenna Thompson/Elena Louka (CLEM) def. Silvia Martinez/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 6-1
2. Sonja Keranen/Ninon Martinache (GS) led Cristina Mayorova/Leigh Van Zyl (CLEM) 4-3, unfinished
3. Sophia Hatton/Alexandra Anttila (CLEM) def. Mackenzie Leopold/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) 6-1