Fight and Determination Help Take Down San Diego Christian (Calif.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
MOBILE, Ala. – (Bracket) Women's tennis continued to make waves on the court Tuesday with yet another upset, and this time Reinhardt did it for the first time in history on the brightest stage, as the 18th-seeded Eagles took down No. 15 San Diego Christian (Calif.), 4-1, in the first round of the NAIA Women's Tennis National Championship.
The win pushed the club to 8-7 on the season after claiming its first NAIA postseason victory as a program.
"I am so proud of my girls for their win against San Diego Christian," head coach Jennifer Pourchier said. "They have been waiting for this moment for a long time and training hard to get this first-round win. My two freshmen really stepped up today as Elise clinched the win for the team. Ana had a great day as well with her win with Glauka in doubles, and she also gave us a point in singles.
"I'm very thankful for these girls for their fight and determination."
In doubles play, the duos of Ana Rodriguez/Glauka Carvajal and Stephanie Fernandez/Tayla Kruger helped earn a 1-0 lead following scores of 6-3 at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.
Fernandez moved to 2-0 on the day with a 6-4, 6-3 outcome on line one, and then was followed up by Rodriguez earning a victory over the Hawks at No. 2 singles by the count of 6-4, 6-2.
San Diego Christian was able to get on the board individually in the four spot (6-0, 6-3), but Elise Standing came from behind to clinch the match with a 4-6, 7-6, 6-1 final at No. 6 singles.
The team advances to the second round to face No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m.
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