Stephen F. Austin
Abilene Christian
SFA Rallies Past ACU, 4-3
3/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin women's tennis team used solid performances at the top four singles positions to edge Abilene Christian 4-3 on Monday afternoon at the Schlief Tennis Complex.
"This was a great win for the team," said head coach Roberto Aspillaga. "I am very proud of the girls because once again we competed at a high level in all positions. ACU is extremely strong in doubles and in the bottom of the lineup, and although we were not successful in securing any of those points, we certainly put ourselves in a position to win."
With the win over the Wildcats (6-2, 2-2 SLC), the Ladyjacks (9-4, 3-0 SLC) extend their winning streak to four matches while the team has now also won four straight at home.
Despite falling into an early 1-0 hole after dropping doubles matches at the two and three spots, SFA battled back with four consecutive singles wins to secure the 4-3 team victory.
Dhanielly Quevedo put the Ladyjacks on the board in her No. 2 singles match, defeating ACU's Kaysie Hermsdorf 6-2, 6-1. SFA then followed with 6-2, 6-3 wins from Malena Gordo (No. 1 singles) and Vivienne Kulicke (No. 4 singles).
After cruising to a 6-2 decision in the first set of her No. 3 singles match, SFA's Denise Maxl battled back and forth with ACU's Erin Walker in the second set. With the match hanging in the balance, Maxl was able to claim the set 7-6, clinching the fourth point for the Ladyjacks and ensuring the team victory.
"I am especially proud of Denise's effort today," Aspillaga said. "She pulled her groin but was able to push through and clinch the match for us."
Valeria Terentyeva (No. 5 singles) and Julia Lorca (No. 6 singles) were each able to force a third set in their matches against the strong bottom portion of the Wildcat lineup but fell just short in the final two matches of the day.
The Ladyjacks will look to extend their winning streak to a season-best five matches when they host Northwestern State on Saturday morning at Schlief Tennis Complex. First serve is set for 11:00 a.m.
"Now is the time to recover and prepare for a key match against the Lady Demons this weekend," said Aspillaga. "I'm really looking forward to seeing another great crowd at our home courts on Saturday in a crucial Southland Conference match."
Stephen F. Austin 4, Abilene Christian 3
Singles competition
1. Malena Gordo (SFA) def. Brittany Reed (ACU) 6-2, 6-3
2. Dhanielly Quevedo (SFA) def. Kaysie Hermsdorf (ACU) 6-2, 6-1
3. Denise Maxl (SFA) def. Erin Walker (ACU) 6-2, 7-6
4. Vivienne Kulicke (SFA) def. Lucile Pothier (ACU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Whitney Williams (ACU) def. Valeria Terentyeva (SFA) 7-6, 2-6, 1-0
6. Nada Marjanovic (ACU) def. Julia Lorca (SFA) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6
Doubles competition
1. Dhanielly Quevedo/Malena Gordo (SFA) vs. Brittany Reed/Kaysie Hermsdorf (ACU) 8-7, unfinished
2. Whitney Williams/Erin Walker (ACU) def. Denise Maxl/Macarena Acosta (SFA) 8-1
3. Lucile Pothier/Carli Knezevic (ACU) def. Vivienne Kulicke/Valeria Terentyeva (SFA) 8-7
Order of finish: Doubles - 2, 3; Singles - 2, 1, 4, 3, 5, 6
-SFA-
Players Mentioned
