Women's Tennis 2/11/2017 12:31:00 PM

BELMONT EDGES WOMEN’S TENNIS 4-3

NASHVILLE, Tenn., – A 3-3 split in singles play was enough for Belmont to claim an overall 4-3 win Friday over the University of North Alabama women's tennis team at Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville. The season-opening loss gives UNA an 0-1 start to the 2017 season.

After Belmont won the doubles point with three straight victories, the two teams traded blows in singles action. UNA was able to tie the match at 3-3 before the Bruins clinched the win with a 6-2, 7-5 victory at No. 5 singles.

"Belmont was a lot better this year and but we still had our chances to win this match," said UNA head tennis coach Brice Bishop. "Some first-match jitters definitely showed today, but I was proud of the players and how they continued to battle back. Belmont just made a few more shots than we did on the big points."

Belmont took the 1-0 lead after a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 sweep to get the doubles point. The Lions quickly evened the match with a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles by freshman Nina Linke.

"Nina showed she can handle the big moments," added Bishop. "She was very impressive today."

The Bruins posted wins at No. 1 and No. 4 singles to take a 3-1 lead before UNA answered. At No. 2 singles, sophomore Claudia Arroyo trailed 1-4 in the third set before rallying. Using huge ground strokes and a big serve, Arroyo was able to roar back to post the 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 win.

Sophomore Claire DeGeorge also overcame a first set deficit to get a win and keep the Lions in the match. After dropping a 4-6 opening set at the No. 6 spot, she rallied to win the next two set 6-3, 6-2 to ever the overall match.

"We needed a spark and Claudia gave it to us," said Bishop. "This was a great comeback. I was also very impressed with Claire. She played her best at UNA."

At No. 5 singles, Belmont won the opening set 6-2 and held off a late rally to clinch the match with a 7-5 win in the second set.

UNA will host Martin Methodist at 2 p.m. on Feb. 15.

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Players Mentioned

Claudia Arroyo: Sophomore

Claire DeGeorge: Sophomore

Nina Linke: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Claudia Arroyo
: Sophomore

Claire DeGeorge
: Sophomore

Nina Linke
: Freshman