Tigers Bounce Back and Van Zyl Clinches

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Tigers (5-1) impressed in a 4-2 win over the Charlotte 49ers (3-4) on Saturday at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. In the second meeting between the two programs, Clemson ties the series 1-1. 

“This was a fantastic win for our group. Charlotte is a great program that made the [NCAA] tournament last year,” head coach Boomer Saia said. “For us to come in after a tough loss last week and have Alex come off the bench and win a massive doubles point was inspiring. This led to people stepping up in singles like Sophia, Cris, and Leigh. Also, this was a big match for Leigh as she clinched for the second time in her career; it was cool to watch. Our group stepped up in big moments and found four points against a solid program and team today. I am so elated, and we will celebrate and enjoy this one, but on Monday, we will get right back to work..”

Starting the day off strong in doubles, Eleni Louka and Jenna Thompson came back after a slow start to win the first match 6-4. Sophia Hatton and Alexandra Anttila defeated Lucie Petruzelova and Emma Wilkins in an easy 6-1 duel, securing the doubles point.

In Singles, after conceding a point to the 49ers on court 6, Hatton swiftly defeated Suchankova 6-1, 6-2 to go up 2-1. Mayorova followed shortly after by confidently winning 6-4, 6-4 on court 2. On court 1, Louka fell to Quiterio in a hard-fought 6-3,1-6, 6-1 battle.

In a match that came down to the wire, Leigh Van Zyl clinched the match point for the second time in her career. During her first set, Van Zyl and Shona Nakano battled 7-5. In the second set, she won in an easy 6-4 duel, securing the Tigers match point. 

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Final Score: Clemson 4, Charlotte 2

Doubles

1. Thompson/Louka (CU) def. Teixido/Quiterio (CLT), 6-1
2. Mayorova/Van Zyl (CU) vs. Nakano/Suchankova (CLT), 4-4, Unfinished
3. Hatton/Anttila (CU) def. Petruzalova/Wilkins (CLT), 6-1

Order of Finish: 3, 1

Singles

1. Lucia Quiterio (CLT) def. Eleni Louka (CU), 6-3, 6-1
2. Christina Mayorova (CU) def. Lucie Petruzalova (CLT), 6-4, 6-4
3. Ares Teixido Garcia (CLT) lead Jenna Thompson (CU), 6-1, 3-6, 4-5 Unfinished 
4. Sophia Hatton (CU) def. Sara Suchankova (CLT), 6-2, 6-4
5. Leigh Van Zyl (CU) def. Shona Nakano (CLT), 7-5, 6-4
6. Lucia Aranda (CLT) def. Alexandra Anttila (CU), 6-1, 6-2

Order of Finish: 6, 4, 2, 1, 5 

The Tigers are set to play in a doubleheader at home against both  Georgia Southern and College of Charleston on Saturday, February 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility.