Tennis Cruises Past SCAD-Atlanta

After a rigorous opening schedule of matches, the #4 Brenau tennis team captured the first win of the season over SCAD-Atlanta on Thursday in Savannah.

The Brenau doubles team led the charge as the #2 team of Patricia Recalde and Paula Rives overwhelmed the Bees' #2 pairing 8-1, then the #1 team of Maya Mammetgulyyeva and Rebecca Pijls won their match 8-4. Due to illness, the Brenau #3 team was unable to compete, thus resulting in a forfeit.

"Our first win of the season was huge, especially against a quality team in SCAD Atlanta," said Andre Ferreira. "I think doubles played an important role today. We started strong and built a comfortable lead early on in both doubles matches. That was a boost of confidence

The Golden Tigers then swept the top five singles matches to give the Bees, who are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25, their second loss of the season.

"I also think we handled the pressure extremely well," said Ferreira. "We showed poise by playing calm and keeping our emotions under control at crucial moments in the match. In my opinion, this was the team's biggest strength today."

Brenau (1-4 overall) gets another tough test on Friday as the team takes on #3 SCAD-Savannah in Savannah.

Final Results:

Brenau 7, SCAD Atlanta 2

Doubles:

1. Mammetgulyyeva/Pijls (BU) def. Altamirano/Guerra (SCAD-A) 8-4

2. Recalde/Rives (BU) def. Lemos/DeGuzman (SCAD-A) 8-1

3. Bolivar/Umbaugh (SCAD-A) def. no player/no player (BU) by forfeit

Singles:

1. Maya Mammetgulyyeva (BU) def. Sofia Guerra (SCAD-A) 6-4, 6-2

2. Rebecca Pijls (BU) def. Katrina De Guzman (SCAD-A) 6-3, 1-6, 7-5

3. Patricia Recalde (BU) def. Antonella Altamirano (SCAD-A) 6-1, 6-2

4. Kirsten Dickins (BU) def. Valentina Lemos (SCAD-A) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(4)

5. Paula Rives (BU) def. Madison Umbaugh (SCAD-A) 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-1

6. Nathalia Bolivar (SCAD-A) def. no player (BU) by forfeit

Order of finish: Doubles (2, 1); Singles (3, 1, 2*, 5, 4)