CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson women’s tennis team (11-5, 1-4 ACC) battled Friday afternoon at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility against No. 9 Duke (14-2, 4-1 ACC) but came up short, 5-2. In the loss, No. 125 Dani Medvedeva defeated the No. 24 opponent in the nation in straight sets.
Our girls are continuing to compete with their strengths and play fearless tennis,” said Head Coach Amy Sargeant. “To split sets at four positions against the 9th ranked team in the country isn’t luck. We are fighting, we are believing and we are growing throughout this journey. I am proud of how the girls fought from start to finish, especially freshman Leigh who stepped up and pushed her opponent to the edge.”
The Blue Devils got off to a quick start and grabbed the first doubles match on Court 3. Cristina Mayorova and Eleni Louka played solid tennis for the Tigers on Court 1, extending their lead to 4-2 until the No. 25 doubles pair in Chloe Beck and Cameron Morra won four straight games to clinch the doubles point for Duke.
The Tigers played their best singles of the year, competing hard against the No. 9 Blue Devils. Despite a loss on Court 6 for the Tigers, Medvedeva earned her highest ranked win of the season against No. 24 Duke’s Emma Jackson 6-4, 6-1 in dominant fashion. Louka and Mayorova played well against two top 65 opponents but ultimately fell 6-4, 3-6, 2-6 and 1-6, 6-4, 2-6, respectively. Sophia Hatton got it done on Court 4 for the Tigers, registering a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 victory. Freshman Leigh Van Zyl battled until the end on Court 6 but couldn’t overcome Duke’s Coleman.
“Dani and Sophia are in a realm of their own right now. They are competing for every single point, and making it a tough out for their opponent,” remarked Sargeant on the two Clemson victors on Friday.
“Scores do not reflect how close this match actually was, and how much heart our girls have. The championship mindset takes guts, strength and courage, and this team is growing exceptionally fast.”
Up next, the Tigers will return to the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility on Sunday, March 12 at noon to take on No. 1 North Carolina. The match is free to the public.
For all the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson women’s tennis, visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonWTennis on Twitter and Instagram.
