Georgia Southern University
College of Charleston
Eagles Knock Off Cougars, 5-2, On Friday
2/16/2024 6:19:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Georgia Southern moves to 8-1 on the season, unbeaten at Wallis this year
STATESBORO - Georgia Southern women's tennis improved to 8-1 on the season with a 5-2 win over the College of Charleston on Friday afternoon at the Wallis Tennis Center.
The Eagles also moved to 3-0 at Wallis this season with the win over the Cougars (3-2). Georgia Southern has also won four straight in the series against the College of Charleston, dating back to 2021.
Georgia Southern earned the doubles point by sweeping all three doubles matches from the Cougars. Silvia Martinez and Lindsay Tulenko collected a 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles, while Sonja Keranen and Ninon Martinache delivered a 6-3 win at No. 2 doubles. Mackenzie Leopold and Sophie Wagemaker completed the sweep with a 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles.
The Eagles took a 3-0 lead with a pair of quick singles wins at the bottom of the lineup. Mackenzie Leopold blanked Peyton Brotzman, 6-0, 6-0, at No. 5 singles, while Paula Hijos won a 6-2, 6-1 decision at No. 6 singles. The College of Charleston won in straight sets at No. 4 singles and all three of the remaining singles matches went to third sets.
Silvia Martinez clinched the victory for the Eagles with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-0 win over Halli Trinkle at No. 1 singles. Ninon Martinache also won her three setter, defeating Maja Jekauc at No. 2 singles, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5.
"College of Charleston absolutely came in for a battle today," Georgia Southern head women's tennis coach Sean McCaffrey said. "I did feel really good about our doubles and it was evident that the ladies really stepped up their games to take the doubles point. All three of our teams did a great job today.
"In singles, it was nice to see Paula and Mackenzie put their points on the board early in the match, which definitely applied a bunch of scoreboard pressure on Charleston. They did not back down as we found ourselves in three sets with Ninon, Lindsay and Silvia. Lindsay played well but her opponent was just a little steadier. Ninon really had to battle a game style she was not accustomed to seeing, but she weathered the storm and dug deep for a gritty three set win. Silvia showed a bunch of heart by slamming home the match with a 6-0 third set, which was exactly what the team needed against a very tough opponent.
"I'm happy with how we are playing and we still have a bunch to iron out in the coming weeks," Coach McCaffrey said. "This will be our first and only full weekend off during the year and we will take full advantage of resting watching some baseball and softball and recovering a bit before our trip next weekend."
The Eagles return to action on February 25 and 26, traveling to North Carolina to take on Davidson on Friday and Queens (NC) on Saturday in a pair of non-conference road matches.
RESULTS
Singles
1. Silvia Martinez (GS) def. Halli Trinkle (COFC) 6-3, 5-7, 6-0
2. Ninon Martinache (GS) def. Maja Jekauc (COFC) 5-7, 6-1, 7-5
3. Oziera Ahmad (COFC) def. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 2-6, 6-2, 7-5
4. Jaiden McKee (COFC) def. Nanaka Kijima (GS) 6-1, 6-2
5. Mackenzie Leopold (GS) def. Peyton Brotzman (COFC) 6-0, 6-0
6. Paula Hijos (GS) def. Elle Bredemann (COFC) 6-2, 6-1
Doubles
1. Silvia Martinez/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) def. Halli Trinkle/Oziera Ahmad (COFC) 6-1
2. Sonja Keranen/Ninon Martinache (GS) def. Peyton Brotzman/Jaiden McKee (COFC) 6-3
3. Mackenzie Leopold/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Anna Neyestani/Francesca Salvato (COFC) 6-4
Team Stats
#1 Doubles Match
#2 Doubles Match
#3 Doubles Match
Order of Finish:
1,2,3
#1 Singles Match
#2 Singles Match
#3 Singles Match
#4 Singles Match
#5 Singles Match
#6 Singles Match
Order of Finish:
5,6,4,1,3,2
Players Mentioned
