JEFFERSON CITY, TENN.– The No. 48 Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Tennis Team closed out a dramatic 4-3 road win over Carson-Newman on Saturday afternoon as
Sanne Janssen erased a one-set deficit and clinched the victory for the Bears with a 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 victory in fifth singles.
GAME VITALS
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 4, Carson-Newman 3
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (16-3, 6-2 SAC) | Carson-Newman (9-8, 5-4)
COACHES TAKE
"First off, credit to Carson-Newman," said Head Coach
Tom Rees. "They fought back admirably. I am just so proud of our ladies today, they earned the win through sheer grit and determination and are continuing to make history for our program. Sanne was down a set and 5-3 but didn't have an ounce of quit in her. Just unbelievable stuff."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The nationally-ranked No. 43 doubles team of
Diana Babinets and
Gemma Southwick earned a 6-3 win in second doubles to key the Bears to earning the doubles point. The duo of Babinets/Southwick improved to 11-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Additionally, the Bears earned a 7-6 win in first doubles and a 6-4 victory in the third spot.
C-N would even the match at one with a win in second singles but
Lucy Whelan put the Bears back on top with a clutch 6-4, 6-3 win in sixth singles. After a thrilling 3-set victory by Marta Escanero in third singles, the Eagles rallied to grab wins in first and third singles to draw the contest even at 3. With the win in the balance, Janssen stepped up big and improved to 5-0 in singles play on the season.
UP NEXT
The Bears return to action on Wednesday when host Wingate for a 2 p.m. match.
