CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson women’s tennis team won its Atlantic Coast Conference opener, defeating Virginia Tech by a score of 5-2 in the first outdoor match played at the new Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. With the win, the Tigers improved to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in the ACC, while the Hokies dropped to 1-4 (0-1 ACC).
The Tigers’ duo of Marie-Alexandre Leduc and Fernanda Navarro, ranked second in the nation, defeated the Hokies’ top team 6-3 at No. 1 to open doubles play. After Virginia Tech won at No. 2, the doubles point came down to Alex Angyalosy and Laura Marti at No. 3. The two Clemson sophomores came up with an important 6-4 victory to clinch the doubles point.
Navarro, who entered the ITA singles rankings at No. 64 earlier this week, kept the momentum going in singles play, winning 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2. The Hokies won on Court 4, before Clemson claimed the next three matches, as Sydney Riley at No. 3, Marti at No. 6 and Angyalosy at No. 5 each picked up straight-set victories. Leduc dropped a close three-setter to 121st-ranked Natalie Novotna at No. 1 singles to provide the final margin.
Photos by Kim Montuoro:
“I was truly excited for our team today, getting their first win at home on the outdoor courts," said Head Coach Nancy Harris. "This marks the opening of a new era for Clemson Tennis in our new Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. The Tigers defeated a fine team in Virginia Tech by playing with focus and determination. The No. 1 and No. 3 doubles clinched the doubles point, but not easily. Following doubles, the team went to work earning four of six singles victories to finish with a win in the first ACC match of the season. I was so proud for each Tiger, as they all played a big part in our win today.”
OF NOTE
UP NEXTThe Tigers have an eight-day break before their next match, as they return to the court for an ACC road contest at Wake Forest on Sunday, Feb. 17. First serve for the match is set for noon in Winston-Salem, N.C.
