CHARLESTON, SC – Fifth-seeded Elon pulled off a near improbable comeback with three three-set wins to erase a 3-1 deficit and knock off fourth-seeded UNC Greensboro, 4-3, in the quarterfinal round of the Southern Conference Women’s Tennis Tournament on Friday afternoon.
The Spartans held a 1-0 lead after claiming the doubles point. With Alejandra Guerra, and Erica Zabkar claiming straight-set wins, the Spartans led 3-1 with three singles matches still in progress – all in which the Spartans had won the first set. Guerra’s win was her 17th straight and raised her record to a school-record 27-5 on the season, including 18-2 during the spring season.
But the Phoenix came roaring back. Anna Milian rallied for a win at No. 2 singles over Arielle VonStrolley, while Hayley Wahl topped Valerie Behr at No. 4 to tie the score. Laura Graybill then capped off the victory with a win at the sixth flight over Jess Eblen to advance the Phoenix into the semifinal round.
UNCG closes out its season at 12-10, the Spartans’ first winning mark since 2000-01 when they finished 11-9.
AGATE
#5 Elon 4, #4 UNC Greensboro 3
Singles competition
1. Alejandra Guerra (UNCG) def. Deanna Bailey (ELON) 6-0, 6-0
2. Anna Milian (ELON) def. Arielle VonStrolley (UNCG) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
3. Paige Kensrue (ELON) def. Britney Cloer (UNCG) 6-2, 6-3
4. Hayley Wahl (ELON) def. Valerie Behr (UNCG) 2-6, 7-5, 6-4
5. Erica Zabkar (UNCG) def. Whitney Butcher (ELON) 6-2, 7-5
6. Laura Graybill (ELON) def. Jess Eblen (UNCG) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. Alejandra Guerra/Arielle VonStrolley (UNCG) def. Deanna Bailey/Anna Milian (ELON) 8-4
2. Valerie Behr/Erica Zabkar (UNCG) vs. Paige Kensrue/Whitney Butcher (ELON) 5-4, unfinished
3. Jess Eblen/Britney Cloer (UNCG) def. Jenn Tucci/Hayley Wahl (ELON) 8-5
- UNCG -