Charleston, W.Va. - Charleston defeats Yellow Jackets 4-2 to claim MEC Championship.

The Basics:
Location: Charleston Tennis Club
Score: UC 4, WVSU 2
Records: UC 18-8, WVSU 12-8

How it Happened:Charleston got off to a slow start in doubles. Both first doubles (Singh/Balakrishnan) and third doubles (Swann/Glaves) were down 4-2, but they were determined to take the doubles point as they did in the first match against WVSU. Both teams battled back and won 6-4. With the doubles point secured by Charleston, # doubles match was not played to completion. In their previous meeting, Charleston also won the doubles point, so the team knew they were in for a fight.

WVSU tied the match with a win at 3rd singles. MEC conference player of the year, Singh, put Charleston in the lead with a very strong performance at 1st singles, winning by a score of 6-3, 6-1. WVSU again tied the match, taking 6th singles. The unflappable Alexiann Drouin put Charleston up 3-2 winning 6-0, 6-0 at number 2 singles. Balakrishnan who was down most of the first set, saved 3 consecutive set points and battled back to win the set 7-5. Balakrishnan continued to roll in the second set with a balance of patience and aggression to win by a final score of 7-5, 6-2. Balakrishnan provided the clinch point for the Golden Eagles, giving the team both the match and the championship.

Of the match, Coach Foote said, "The ladies battled hard all day. Even when they went down or weren't playing great, they never gave up. I was proud of their play not only today but all year long. This was a special day, especially for our many Seniors who have put in a lot of hard work for the last four years."

Woman of the match goes to Haarini Balakrishnan who clinched the match for the Golden Eagles.

Up Next:
Charleston will play in the NCAA championships, which take place May 6th and 7th. The location has not been announced.