Harrogate, TN - The Charleston Women's Tennis Team had an outstanding weekend, securing two dominant victories against Belmont Abbey College and Lincoln Memorial University. With impressive performances across both days, the team showcased their skill and determination on the road.

Game 1

University of Charleston 5, Lincoln Memorial 2

The University of Charleston women's tennis team secured a hard-fought 5-2 victory over Lincoln Memorial, battling through tough matches in both singles and doubles play.

Doubles Action:

The Golden Eagles got off to a competitive start but ultimately dropped the doubles point after winning just one of three matches.

• No. 1 Doubles: Sara Martinez/Filippa Larsson (UC) defeated Rosalie Carrier-Dulac/Lucie Palud (LMU) 6-4. The UC duo played aggressively at the net and maintained strong communication to close out the match.
• No. 2 Doubles: Marta Melnichenok/Alexandra Ortiz (LMU) defeated Michelle Connor/Harriet Glaves (UC) 6-2. LMU controlled the match with consistent shot-making and solid baseline play, preventing UC from gaining momentum.
• No. 3 Doubles: Adriana Pellizzari/Mar Garcia (LMU) defeated Claudia Pastor/Viola Hirzberger (UC) 6-2. Despite a strong effort from the UC pair, LMU capitalized on key break points to secure the win.

With Lincoln Memorial claiming the doubles point, UC needed a strong response in singles play—and they delivered.

Singles Action:

Charleston stormed back with five wins in singles, turning the match in their favor.

• No. 1 Singles: Marta Melnichenok (LMU) defeated Sara Martinez (UC) 6-7, 6-2, 6-4. In a marathon match, Martinez fought through a tight first-set tiebreaker but ultimately fell to Melnichenok in three sets.
• No. 2 Singles: Michelle Connor (UC) defeated Adriana Pellizzari (LMU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Connor showcased resilience, bouncing back after dropping the first set and delivering a strong finish.
• No. 3 Singles: Filippa Larsson (UC) defeated Lucie Palud (LMU) 6-3, 6-3. Larsson controlled the match with precise shot placement and steady baseline play.
• No. 4 Singles: Harriet Glaves (UC) defeated Rosalie Carrier-Dulac (LMU) 7-6, 6-4. A tense first set saw Glaves battle through a tiebreaker before closing out the match in straight sets.
• No. 5 Singles: Riva Hondiashvili (UC) defeated Mia Caridad Rodriguez (LMU) 7-6, 6-2. Hondiashvili displayed great mental toughness, winning a crucial first-set tiebreaker before dominating the second set.
• No. 6 Singles: Claudia Pastor (UC) defeated Alexandra Ortiz (LMU) 7-5, 6-2. Pastor delivered a strong performance, using consistent baseline rallies to secure the straight-set victory.

After dropping the doubles point, Charleston showed resilience in singles, winning five out of six matches to seal the 5-2 victory. The Golden Eagles continue to build momentum as they prepare for their next challenge against Belmont Abbey. 

Game 2

University of Charleston 4, Belmont Abbey 1

The University of Charleston women's tennis team delivered another strong performance, securing a 4-1 victory over Belmont Abbey. With key wins in both singles and doubles, the Golden Eagles demonstrated resilience and depth to claim the win.

Doubles Action:

Charleston secured the opening point by winning two of the three doubles matches.

• No. 1 Doubles: Sara Martinez/Filippa Larsson (UC) defeated Hanley Riner/Mackenzie McCarthy (BAC) 6-2. The UC duo dominated from the baseline and at the net, taking control early to secure the win.
• No. 2 Doubles: Leilany Sanchez/Elizabeth Vollmin (BAC) defeated Michelle Connor/Harriet Glaves (UC) 7-5. In a closely contested match, Belmont Abbey edged out the UC pair with strong shot placement and consistent returns.
• No. 3 Doubles: Claudia Pastor/Viola Hirzberger (UC) defeated Frankee Hendricks/Katharine Calvet (BAC) 6-3. Pastor and Hirzberger played with confidence, breaking serve early and holding on for the win.

With the doubles point secured, Charleston entered singles play with momentum.

Singles Action:

The Golden Eagles claimed three singles wins to clinch the 4-1 victory, with two matches left unfinished.

• No. 1 Singles: Sara Martinez (UC) defeated Frankee Hendricks (BAC) 2-6, 6-1, 6-2. Martinez overcame a slow start, finding her rhythm in the second and third sets to secure the comeback victory.
• No. 2 Singles: Michelle Connor (UC) vs. Hanley Riner (BAC) Unfinished (6-3, 3-6). The match was evenly contested, with each player taking a set before play was halted.
• No. 3 Singles: Mackenzie McCarthy (BAC) defeated Filippa Larsson (UC) 7-5, 6-1. McCarthy capitalized on key moments in the first set before pulling away in the second to secure Belmont Abbey's lone singles victory.
• No. 4 Singles: Harriet Glaves (UC) defeated Alexis Burkhalter (BAC) 6-2, 7-5. Glaves controlled the first set and fought through a tight second set to close out the match.
• No. 5 Singles: Riva Hondiashvili (UC) defeated Elona Simonov (BAC) 6-2, 7-5. Hondiashvili's steady play and aggressive shot-making secured another straight-set win for UC.
• No. 6 Singles: Claudia Pastor (UC) vs. Rebekka Collyer (BAC) Unfinished (3-6, 7-5). Pastor was battling back after dropping the first set when the match was called.

Charleston's strong performances in both doubles and singles sealed another impressive victory, improving their momentum as they move forward in the season.

Next up: Spring Break trip to Orlando, Florida.