The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s tennis team defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with a score of 4-0 today. The Mocs looked determined to get the win this afternoon before they begin their conference schedule on Sunday.
Chattanooga started off strong in the doubles when senior Claire Mulyadi and junior Katie Polk grabbed a quick (8-2) win over Gabby Crofford and Emily Przystawski at No. 3. The other two doubles matches went into tiebreakers as the Mocs fought to secure the opening point.
Senior Kaylene Chadwell and junior Kelsey Coots finished just short of the victory in a (8-7(7)) loss to Tereza Hejlova and Elpida Malamou at No.
2. The No. 1 doubles came back from being down 2-0 early to win the match in dramatic fashion. Junior Kayla Jones and freshman Samantha Caswell took over to post a (8-7(7)) victory over Emilia Granstrom and Andrea Christopoulou, giving the Mocs a 1-0 advantage.
“Kayla Jones played awesome today and she really took command of the doubles,” stated head coach Jeff Clark. “They were down a break pretty much for most of the match and they saved two match points. They came up big.”
With momentum from the doubles victory, the Mocs came storming into singles. Senior Claire Mulyadi posted a (6-0, 6-0) shutout over Emily Przystawski at No. 5. Junior Alison Storie followed her at No. 6 with a (6-0, 6-3) victory over Gabby Crofford to put Chattanooga up 3-0 in the match.
Freshman Samantha Caswell secured the victory for the Mocs as she walked away with a (6-2, 6-1) win over Elpida Malamou at No. 4. Junior Kayla Jones was one point away from taking her match this afternoon but the contest was called after the Mocs posted four wins.
“That was the last non-conference match, so it’s nice to go 12-2 out of conference,” stated Clark. “Now we will turn our attention to SoCon matches and we’re really excited.”
Chattanooga improved to 13-2 and 1-0 in the SoCon, while Western Kentucky dropped to 6-8 on the season. The Mocs are back in action as they begin conference play on Sunday, March 29, against SoCon rival Furman. Chattanooga will host the Paladins at 12:00 p.m. (E.S.T.). Be sure to check the women’s tennis schedule page for a link to live scoring.
Western Kentucky 0, Chattanooga 4
March 27th, 2015 at Chattanooga (UTC Tennis Courts)
Singles competition
1. Kayla Jones (UTC) vs. Tereza Hejlova (WKU) 6-3, 5-1, unfinished
2. Kelsey Coots (UTC) vs. Emilia Granstrom (WKU) 6-2, 1-1, unfinished
3. Kaylene Chadwell (UTC) vs. Andrea Christopoulou (WKU) 4-6, unfinished
4. Samantha Caswell (UTC) def. Elpida Malamou (WKU) 6-2, 6-1
5. Claire Mulyadi (UTC) def. Emily Przystawski (WKU) 6-0, 6-0
6. Alison Storie (UTC) def. Gabby Crofford (WKU) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Kayla Jones/Samantha Caswell (UTC) def. Emilia Granstrom/Andrea Christopoulou (WKU) 8-7(7)
2. Tereza Hejlova/Elpida Malamou (WKU) def. Kaylene Chadwell/Kelsey Coots (UTC) 8-7(7)
3. Claire Mulyadi/Katie Polk (UTC) def. Gabby Crofford/Emily Przystawski (WKU) 8-2