FLORENCE, S.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne women's tennis team traveled to Florence, S.C. to compete in the City of Florence Invitational over the weekend. The Bears went 1-1 on Saturday, placing them in the 3rd place match Sunday morning against Coker, which they won 4-1. On Saturday, LR defeated Barton 4-1 to open the tournament, and then fell to Newberry 4-1. 

In the Barton match, the Bears got victories in doubles from Alicia Wahlberg and Diana Babinets at No. 1, and Gemma Southwick and Lucy Whelan at No. 2. In singles, Wahlberg only lost one game at No. 2, and Whelan did the same at No.5. Sandy Mitsou also grabbed a win over the Bulldogs at No. 6 singles.

In the Newberry match, the Bears had several close battles but were only able to grab a win from Evgeniya Pugina at No. 2 singles. 

In the third place match against Coker on Sunday, Southwick and Whelan were victorious at No. 2 doubles, Pugina and Evelyn Menyhard won at No. 3 doubles, and Wahlberg and Babinets took wins at No. 3 and 4 singles respectively. Whelan rounded out the Bear victory with a win at No. 6 singles. 

The Bears' next match is next weekend, coincidentally back in Florence against Francis Marion. The Bears and Patriots will play on Sunday, Feb. 13. 

Hear head coach Erik Scanlan's thoughts on the weekend in the video above or here.