The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's tennis team posted a 4-3 win over Murray State tonight. The Mocs scored four victories in singles action at Baylor's Guerry Tennis Center.
Chattanooga fell behind early when the Racers took the doubles point. Sophomores Delaney Edwards and Sydney Patton won at No. 2, but Murray State won No. 1 and No. 3 for the 1-0 lead.
"We knew going in Murray State's doubles was really good," stated head coach Chad Camper.
"We took control at second doubles, but we played real flat in the other two matches.
"We are a young team and I think we are getting better. I told the team I really want to step in a better direction in doubles today."
Singles was a battle throughout, with the only straight-set wins going to junior Samantha Caswell at No. 1 and senior Rachele Gazzola at No. 5. Patton gave the Mocs a 3-1 lead with her three-set win at No. 4.
The last three matches were also in a third set, with the outcome still in doubt. After winning the first set at No. 6, sophomore McKenzie Barco dropped the second to Alina Schibol. The third went to a tiebreaker with Schibol winning (4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3)).
The Mocs lead was now 3-2 and both Edwards and sophomore Caroline Hall were trailing in their matches. Hall dropped her first set 6-1, but won the second 7-5. She was trailing 4-2 in the third before battling back for a 7-5 win. That clinched the team win for the Mocs.
Edwards fought back to 5-5 in the third, but eventually lost (6-1, 4-6, 7-5).
"Singles was an absolute dog-fight," stated Camper. "It had the feel of a conference match. There were long matches with long sets, but it is why we put in all of the hard work in strength and conditioning and individuals.
"I am really proud of the fight and at the end of the day, that is what you want."
Chattanooga improved to 7-3 on the year, while Murray State dropped to 2-5. Patton improved to 6-0 at No. 4, while Hall moved to 5-1 at No. 3.
Up next for UTC is a Saturday match at Jacksonville State. First serve is 11:00 a.m. (E.S.T.) in Jacksonville, Ala. UTC hosts MTSU on Sunday, Feb. 26 with time and location TBA. Be sure to check back to GoMocs.com for updates.
Chattanooga 4, Murray St. 3
Feb 20, 2017 at Chattanooga, Tenn. (Guerry Tennis Center)
Doubles competition
1. CHANG, Claire/SCHIBOL, Alina (MUR) def. Samantha Caswell/Rachele Gazzola (UTC) 6-3
2. Delaney Edwards/Sydney Patton (UTC) def. BJORK, Sara/MASSON, Jeanne (MUR) 6-1
3. HADZIC, Amina/LONCAREVIC, Anja (MUR) def. Caroline Hall/Mckenzie Barco (UTC) 6-3
Singles competition
1. Samantha Caswell (UTC) def. CHANG, Claire (MUR) 6-3, 6-1
2. LONCAREVIC, Anja (MUR) def. Delaney Edwards (UTC) 6-1, 4-6, 7-5
3. Caroline Hall (UTC) def. HADZIC, Amina (MUR) 1-6, 7-5, 7-5
4. Sydney Patton (UTC) def. LONCAREVIC, Sara (MUR) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
5. Rachele Gazzola (UTC) def. BJORK, Sara (MUR) 6-4, 6-2
6. SCHIBOL, Alina (MUR) def. Mckenzie Barco (UTC) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)