ANDERSON, S.C. -Winning all three doubles matches, Anderson University women's tennis continued its momentum into the singles portion and claimed an 8-1 victory over South Atlantic Conference opponent Mars Hill Saturday afternoon at the AU Tennis Complex.
With the win, Anderson starts off on the right path to contend for the SAC title and post-season play, improving to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the SAC. The Lions move to 3-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
The Black and Gold took control of the match from the beginning, quickly gaining a 3-0 lead after the doubles play. Ivey Welborn and Rebecca Bruning defeated Jasha Geerdink and Lucy McLaurin, 8-3 at the No. 1 spot. Karen Faria and Alexandra Ebner won over Samantha Echevarri and Jade Henke, 8-4, at No. 2, while Elizabeth Beachy and Abigail Gregory posted an 8-1 victory over Luz Heilman and Hannah Hill, at the No. 3 postion.
In the singles round, the Trojans continued their solid play, as Faria knocked off Echevarria, 6-3, 6-1 at No. 1, while Bruning made her afternoon a perfect one with a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over McLaurin 6-1, 6-4 at the No. 3 position. At No. 4, Ebner claimed a 6-0, 6-0 win over Henke, while Jennifer Holcombe 8-0 pro-set shutout Hannah Hill at No. 5. Nikkola Wichenko posted another team 8-0 pro-set victory over Heilman to close out the day at the No. 6 spot.
The Trojans return to the courts on Sunday to face off with conference opponent Brevard. First-serve is set for noon.
Anderson 8, Mars Hill 1
Singles competition
1. Karen Faria (AU) def. Samantha Echevarria (MHU) 6-3, 6-1
2. Jasha Geerdink (MHU) def. Ivey Welborn (AU) 6-3, 7-5
3. Rebecca Bruning (AU) def. Lucy McLaurin (MHU) 6-1, 6-4
4. Alexandra Ebner (AU) def. Jade Henke (MHU) 6-0, 6-0
5. Jennifer Holcombe (AU) def. Hannah Hill (MHU) 8-0
6. Nikkola Wichenko (AU) def. Luz Heilman (MHU) 8-0
Doubles competition
1. I. Welborn/R. Bruning (AU) def. J. Geerdink/L. McLaurin (MHU)
8-3
2. K. Faria/A. Ebner (AU) def. S. Echevarria/J. Henke (MHU) 8-4
3. E. Beachy/A. Gregory (AU) def. L. Heilman/H. Hill (MHU) 8-1
