FLORENCE, Ala. (March 8, 2024) – The University of North Alabama women's tennis team returns home to the UNA Tennis Courts for its weekend matchup against Jacksonville State on Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
North Alabama is in the midst of a five-match win streak, winning the last outing in a 6-0 sweep of Mississippi Valley State. The Lions never dropped a point against the Devilettes en route to their seventh win of the year.
The Lions are off to their best start in the Division I era, equaling a program-record seven wins from the 2023 season. The program has also seen firsts such as freshman Ada Karabacak receiving two Atlantic Sun Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week honors. The Lions only had one winner in their previous five seasons in the Division I era — Payton Andrews on Feb. 13, 2021.
Facing the rival Gamecocks, UNA looks to not only extend their streak to six but also set the Division I record in wins with over half the season remaining.
Full results and a recap will be posted on RoarLions.com following the action.
MATCHUP
North Alabama vs Jacksonville State
Saturday, March 9, 2024
1 p.m.
SCOUTING THE LIONS: North Alabama hosts the Gamecocks with momentum on its side, looking to take the meeting between the two for their program-record win. UNA's record stands at 7-2, with the Lions undefeated in three home matches. North Alabama extended its dominance in doubles against Murray State and Mississippi Valley State, holding a 15-4 record for a 78.9 percent win percentage. Karabacak and Kalais Going are tied for a team-high seven doubles wins, four of which came as pairs from the second flight. In singles, the Lions' record stands at a combined 26-20, with senior Marta Torres and sophomore Stanislava Bobrovnikova tied for the lead with four.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS: Jacksonville State makes the trip to Florence with a 5-5 record, looking to get back into the win column after dropping their last outing 4-3 to Kennesaw State. JSU's Dariana Prato leads the team in singles action with a 7-3 mark, while the Gamecocks' Irene Artigas has a season-high six doubles wins. Leading Jacksonville State is Michael Helms.
SERIES HISTORY: The Lions and Gamecocks meet for the 20th time in women's tennis, with Jacksonville State leading the series 14-5. In UNA's Division I era, JSU leads 4-2 with the last three duals going in favor of the Gamecocks. North Alabama will seek its first win since 2021 when the Lions won 4-3 in Jacksonville on Feb. 10, 2021.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
