JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - The Samford University women's tennis team earned a hard-fought 4-3 road victory over Jacksonville State University on Friday at the Jax State Tennis Courts, improving to 5-1 on the season in a tightly contested non-conference match up.

The Bulldogs opened the afternoon by claiming the crucial doubles point, winning two of three courts. Eleni Liakonis and Hailey Troup secured a 6-4 victory, while the pairing of Cathy Cardona-Carbal and Laila Fishman battled to a 7–6 (7–2) tiebreak win to give Samford the early 1-0 advantage.

Singles play proved to be the difference as Samford captured three individual victories to clinch the match. Sara Erenda delivered a resilient performance rallying through three sets to earn the point for the Bulldogs. Eleni Liakonis followed with a commanding straight-sets win keeping momentum on Samford's side.

With the match hanging in the balance, Cathy Cardona-Carbal sealed the team victory  posting a 6-4, 6-3 straight-sets decision to secure the fourth and final point for the Bulldogs.

Jacksonville State pushed the contest to the wire with wins at the top singles spot and on courts four and five, but Samford's depth in doubles and composure in key singles matches ultimately proved decisive.

Bulldogs will head down the street to UAB for their next match on February 18th at 1 p.m.