STATESBORO - Georgia Southern women's tennis prevailed on Senior Day with a 4-0 win over ULM at the Wallis Tennis Center on Sunday morning.
The Eagles improved to 16-3 overall and 5-2 in the Sun Belt, as well as finishing off their home Spring schedule with an impressive 8-2 record. ULM falls to 1-16 overall and 0-8 in the Sun Belt with the loss.
Prior to Sunday's match, the Eagles honored five senior student-athletes and two coaches who were participating in their final home matches at Wallis. Student assistant Liv Ryan, graduate assistant Jana Weiss and seniors Lindsay Tulenko, Silvia Martinez, Sophie Wagemaker, Sonja Keranen and Paula Hijos were recognized for their contributions to the Eagle women's tennis program.
When play began, the Eagles quickly captured the doubles point as Ninon Martinache and Keranen collected a 6-2 win at No. 1 doubles, while Wagemaker and Mackenzie Leopold notched a 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles.
In singles, the Eagles won the first sets in all six matches. Martinez finished a 6-0, 6-2 win over Mariam Hatem at No. 1 singles, then Keranen delivered a 6-3, 6-3 win over Raquel Alvaro at No. 6 singles. Tulenko then clinched the victory with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Alice Klinteby at No. 2 singles.
"I was so happy to have a great crowd and to celebrate our seniors, and recognize the many former players and coaches who came out to support the team this weekend." Georgia Southern head women's tennis coach Sean McCaffrey said. "Our ladies know that many folks came before them and laid the foundation for this great program and I believe it was on full display throughout the weekend.
"Today we were really locked in on doubles and we were inches away from taking all three courts," McCaffrey said. "I'm so impressed with each of our three teams as they all are working so well together right when it's most important during this stretch run. In singles, it appeared we were well on our way to have a positive result on each of the courts. I was pleased with the way Silvai, Lindsay, and Sonja took care of business in a very efficient and deliberate manner. I am feeling great with where we are at as we go into our stretch run over these last two weekends before the conference tournament. We thank all of the families, friends, and fans…but especially our former women's tennis players and former coaches who showed up and really helped make this weekend special for our seniors and for the entire team!"
The Eagles will wrap up the 2024 regular season with three straight matches on the road, beginning on Saturday, April 13, taking on No. 75 Old Dominion at 10 a.m. from Norfolk, Va.
RESULTS
Singles
1. Silvia Martinez (GS) def. Mariam Hatem (ULM) 6-0. 6-2
2. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) def. Alice Klinteby (ULM) 6-4, 6-2
3. Mackenzie Leopold (GS) led Angela Del Suarez (ULM) 6-3, 2-3, unfinished
4. Nanaka Kijima (GS) led Giovanna Pereira (ULM) 7-5, 3-0, unfinished
5. Tamara Bachmann (ULM) led Paula Hijos (GS) 1-6, 6-2, 1-0, unfinished
6. Sonja Keranen (GS) def. Raquel Alvaro (ULM) 6-3, 6-3
Doubles
1. Ninon Martinache/Sonja Keranen (GS) def. Tamara Bachmann/Alice Klinteby (ULM) 6-2
2. Silvia Martinez/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) led Angela Del Suarez/Giovanna Pereira (ULM) 5-2, unfinished
3. Mackenzie Leopold/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Raquel Alvaro/Mackenzie King (ULM) 6-1
