Feb. 11, 2012

Results

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University women's tennis team continued its stellar play to open the 2012 dual-match season Saturday as the Bulldogs registered a 4-0 triumph against the South Alabama Jaguars in a non-conference matchup held at the Samford Tennis Complex.

With the win, Samford (5-0) remained undefeated this season and extended its winning streak to five consecutive matches. All five of the Bulldogs' victories in 2012 have occurred at the Samford Tennis Center. Already this year, Samford has also bested Middle Tennessee 4-3, Louisiana-Lafayette 6-1, Austin Peay 6-1 and Jacksonville State 7-0.

The Bulldogs will take their five-match winning streak on the road Friday at 1 p.m. (CST) as Samford heads to Southern Miss for their first contest away from home this season.

With Saturday's loss, South Alabama (2-2) dropped its second straight decision. Prior to facing the Bulldogs, the Jaguars fell short in a hard-fought 4-3 loss to Middle Tennessee on Sunday.

Samford jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in Saturday's match by winning the all-important doubles match.

In doubles play, the Bulldogs' No. 1 combination of Kristin Lewis and Lindsey Mallory tallied an 8-5 victory over South Alabama's duo comprised of Emily Newton and Alina Volman. Samford's doubles team of Rebecca Kirven and Madelie Janse Van Rensburg also proved to be victorious as it earned an 8-3 win on court No. 2.

While playing in cold and windy conditions at the Samford Tennis Center on Saturday, the Bulldogs earned three quick victories in singles play to secure the 4-0 triumph.

On court No. 1, Samford's Lewis breezed to a 6-3, 6-3 win, while Janse Van Rensburg held on for a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory in the No. 2 singles matchup. The Bulldogs also received a straight-set win on court No. 3 as Stephanie N'tcha topped the Jaguars' Mariya Krachok, 6-1, 6-2.

Samford's Janse Van Rensburg improved to a perfect 5-0 in singles play Saturday, while Lewis moved to 4-1 on court No. 1 this season and N'tcha increased her record to 3-2.

The Samford University women's tennis team will next be in action Friday at 1 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs compete in their first road contest of the season at Southern Miss. The match will be held at the USM Tennis Courts in Hattiesburg, Miss.