COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Clemson Tigers (6-2) dropped an incredible match that went down to the wire against South Carolina (2-4) on Sunday afternoon by a final score of 4-2. The Tigers dropped the doubles point, but put up an extraordinary battle in singles that put them in a position to win with just two matches left to be completed. However, Clemson fell just short of a comeback victory and dropped to 27-31 all-time against its in-state rival.
The doubles point went to South Carolina after wins on Court 2 and Court 3. Daniella Medvedeva and Cristina Mayorova jumped out to a 3-0 lead on line 1 but their match was abandoned once the Gamecocks clinched the point.
In singles play, Samantha Buyckx earned a convincing win on Court 6 by a score of 6-3, 6-1 to keep Clemson in arms reach of a comeback. With Clemson’s back against the wall down 3-1, Eleni Louka battled in an exhilarating second set to ultimately pull out the 7-6, 6-4 win over the No. 43 ranked singles player in the nation and cut the Gamecocks’ lead back down to one point with two matches still to finish.
Medvedeva and Jenna Thompson each won their second sets to force a third, both needing a win for the Tigers to pull off the come-from-behind victory. Medvedeva’s third set needed a tiebreak to be decided, but ultimately she was unable to secure the victory and the Gamecocks clinched the win. Thompson was up 4-3 in her third set when the match was abandoned.
“Today’s match could have gone either way. I’m so proud of our team, the way that we competed, represented Clemson and the progress we have made,” said a prideful Head Coach Christy Lynch. “South Carolina came out with a lot of energy in the doubles and the crowd was very loud which was not an easy environment to play in. Our girls responded after losing the doubles point so well and fought until the bitter end. Eleni had an impressive win today over a strong player. She played extremely well. Samantha also played very confidently today. We’re excited for ACC play to start next weekend.”
Up next, the Tigers travel to the sunshine state for their opening set of ACC matchups, first with Florida State on Friday in Tallahassee followed by a battle with Miami on Sunday. First serve for those matches are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 11 a.m, respectively.
For all the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson women’s tennis, please visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonWTennis on Twitter and Instagram.
