Tennis Falls at SSAC Championships

The Brenau tennis team competed hard but came up short in a 5-4 loss to Coastal Georgia in the opening round of the 2017 Southern States Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Championships in Mobile, Alabama on Thursday.

The Golden Tigers pairing of Maya Mammetgulyyeva and Elizabeth Bielicki won the doubles #2 match 8-4, but the #1 team of Patricia Recalde Pacua and Paula Rives Palau fell 6-2, 6-2 to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead going into singles play.

In singles play, Paula Rives Palau won her match at #3 singles 6-0, 6-2 over Samantha Lasslett, while Patricia Recalde Pacua also won at #2 singles 6-1, 6-2 over Samantha Sepe. #4 singles player Elizabeth Bielicki rallied after losing her second set to win 7-5, 4-6, 10-8. However, the short-handed team was unable to overcome forfeits at #6 singles and #3 doubles and came up just short.

"This may not be the best year in terms of record or rankings. But I am beyond proud of this group," said head coach Andre Ferreira. "Time after time we've been knocked down and time and time again the girls continue to stand up. Their resilience, heart and desire to represent Brenau tennis well is what stands out to me the most. This season has challenged and taught us in ways that we couldn't expect or prepare for and we will be better tennis players, teammates and individuals because of this experience."

Coastal Georgia def. Brenau 5-4

Singles

1. Daniela Caruso (CGA) def. Maya Mammetgulyyeva (BU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Patricia Recalde (BU) def. Samantha Sepe (CGA) 6-1, 6-2
3. Paula Rives (BU) def. Samantha Lasslett (CGA) 6-0, 6-2
4. Elizabeth Bielicki (BU) def. Lindsey Lawing (CGA) 7-5, 4-6, 10-8
5. Paige DeLaPerriere (CGA) def. Carmen Lopez (BU) 6-1, 6-1
6. Madeline Garner (CGA) won by default

Doubles

1. Sepe/Caruso (CGA) def. Recalde/Rives (BU) 8-3
2. Mammetgulyyeva/Bielicki (BU) def. Garner/ DeLaPerriere (CGA) 8-4
3. Lawing/Lasslett (CGA) won by default