Box ScoreAUSTIN, Texas – The doubles team of
IVANA ZECEVIC and
LAURA GALVAN won their 13
th match of the year on Friday, as St. Edward's Women's Tennis rolled past the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville, 7-2. It was the Hilltoppers first home action of the season.
Zecevic and Galvan have not lost in doubles since fall tournament play on September 26 at the USTA/ITA South Central Regional Tournament, hosted by St. Mary's. The duo is now 5-0 this spring, and 13-1 on the year. In singles play,
ELISA GUILLEN and
VALENTINA MARTINEZ both won their matches to improve to 4-1 this spring. They are tied for the team lead in wins, and winning percentage.
The victory marks the Hilltoppers first match in regional play this season, and they move to 3-2 overall. Texas A&M-Kingsville falls to 0-4 after starting the season ranked 42
nd in the nation.
"It was a good win for us," said head coach Kendall Brooks. "I think every match going forward this season is going to be important; especially against a regional opponent. They're only ranked a few spots below us, and we knew it was going to be a tough match coming in. We're excited with a pretty convincing victory. We did really well coming out in doubles, winning two of them. That always gives us that momentum. There were some close matches, some challenges, but they really fought hard out there today."
The Hilltoppers' dynamic duo opened the match with a statement, rolling to an 8-0 victory at No. 3 doubles. Martinez and Guillen added to the lead with a quick 8-2 win at No. 2, but the Javelinas grabbed a point at No. 1, 8-4.
Coach Brooks' squad carried that momentum into singles action as
LAURA GALVAN cruised to 6-0, 6-1 win in the four slot to make it 3-1. The Javelinas answered back with a 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 1., pulling within one point at 3-2. However, the Hilltoppers would leave no doubt.
Martinez won in straight sets at No. 5, 6-4, 6-0, and
MARISSA WILLIAMS clinched the victory with a 7-5, 6-2 win at No. 3.; but St. Edward's refused to take its foot off the gas pedal. Guillen cashed in the Hilltoppers' sixth point with a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 6, and Zecevic capped off the day with an inspiring three-set triumph at No. 2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 10-8.
Coach Brooks and her team continue their home stand tomorrow with the team's Heartland Conference opener against UT-Permian Basin. The homecoming matchup is set to start at 10 a.m. Live stats will be available at GoHilltoppers.com.
