NORFOLK, Va. - No. 70-ranked Old Dominion notched a tight 4-3 decision over visiting Georgia Southern in Sun Belt Conference women's tennis action on Saturday morning in Norfolk.

The Monarchs (13-5, 9-0 SBC) clinched the regular season Sun Belt title with the victory, while Georgia Southern fell to 16-4 overall and 5-3 in the league. The Eagles return to action on Sunday, visiting James Madison for a 10 a.m. Sun Belt Conference match in Harrisonburg, Va.

Georgia Southern came out strong in doubles against the Monarchs, taking wins at No. 2 and No. 3 to earn the point. Silvia Martinez and Lindsay Tulenko defeated Ulyana Romanova and Alexandra Viktorovich, 6-4, at No. 2 doubles, while Mackenzie Leopold and Sophie Wagemaker downed Kira Matushkina and Allison Isaacs, 6-2, at No. 3 doubles.

In singles, ODU won four of the first six sets, and earned a quick straight-set win at No. 4 singles to tie the match. Fifth-year senior Paula Hijos put the Eagles back in front with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Ulyana Romanova at No. 6 singles. It was the Spaniard's 69th career collegiate singles victory for Georgia Southern, setting a new program record and passing the previous mark of 68 set by Hall of Famer Elizabeth Nieto.

The Monarchs claimed a straight set win at No. 5 singles to tie the match again, but sophomore Ninon Martinache collected an impressive 6-3, 6-4 win over No. 122-ranked Sofia Johnson at No. 1 singles to make the score 3-2. But ODU clinched the victory with wins at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.

Last year, the Eagles matched up twice with the Monarchs and lost both matchups by 4-0 scores.

"It was such an incredibly tough match today," Georgia Southern head women's tennis coach Sean McCaffrey said. "The wind was an element to deal with, which I think we did a great job of adjusting to. And with it being their senior day, they played with so much passion and emotion. But I think we did a great job of absorbing that, even knowing that they are unbeatable on those home courts. In the end we put up a an epic fight against a very strong team.

"Our doubles was on point on each of the three courts," McCaffrey said. "Ninon and Sonja were two points from winning, Silvia and Lindsay were lights out, and Sophie and Mackenzie were just about unstoppable and played a flawless doubles match. In singles, we were really competitive on each of the courts. Ninon is showing why she will be among the front runners for player of the year in the conference, Pauli took care of business in such a pragmatic and efficient manner. And on the other four courts we showed that we were right there. I feel confident that if we get another chance to play this team again we will make the right adjustments to come out on top. I'm beyond proud of my squad and can't wait to play tomorrow at JMU."

RESULTS
Singles
1. Ninon Martinache (GS) def. #122 Sofia Johnson (ODU) 6-3, 6-4
2. Alexandra Viktorovich (ODU) def. Silvia Martinez (GS) 7-6 (3), 6-2
3. Allison Isaacs (ODU) def. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 6-2, 6-3
4. Lidiia Rasskouskaia (ODU) def. Mackenzie Leopold (GS) 6-1, 6-2
5. Kira Matushkina (ODU) def. Nanaka Kijima (GS) 6-1, 7-5
6. Paula Hijos (GS) def. Ulyana Romanova (ODU) 6-3, 6-4

Doubles
1. Ninon Martinache/Sonja Keranen (GS) led Sofia Johnson/Lidiia Rasskouskaia (ODU) 5-4, unfinished
2. Silvia Martinez/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) def. Ulyana Romanova/Alexandra Viktorovich (ODU) 6-4
3. Mackenzie Leopold/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Kira Matushkina/Allison Isaacs (ODU) 6-2