Tennis Secures First Win of the Season

By Pat Clines

Winter Haven, Fla - The SCF tennis team (1-6, 0-2 Region 8) were able to secure their first win of the 2023 season as they defeated NAIA Warner University (2-11, 0-1 Sun) 7-0.

Beginning with doubles, the duo of sophomore Sakurako Suzuki and freshman Ainhoa Meili Fernandez defeated sophomore Alizee Piette and freshman Victoria Belisario 6-0 at #1 doubles in under 20 minutes. The duo of sophomore Elena Baughman-Sanders and freshman Ainara Vegal Rodriguez defeated the sophomore duo of Riley Cook and Carla Schneider 7-5 at #2 doubles to secure the first point for the Manatees.

As singles went underway, the Manatees held a 3-0 lead heading in as Baughman-Sanders (#5 singles) and freshman Alexis Dunlap (#6 singles) each secured a win via forfeit. From there, Meili Fernandez defeated Belisario 6-3, 6-0 at the #3 singles at the same time as freshman Joanne Fernades defeated Schneider 6-3, 6-0 at the #4 singles to make it 5-0 SCF and claim the win.

In the last two matches, Vegal Rodriguez defeated Piette 6-0, 6-1 at the #1 singles before Suzuki sealed the shutout with a 6-1 pair decision over Cook at #2 singles.

Up Next:

The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Orlando for the UTSA National Tournament. They will face the University of West Georgia (6-2, 2-4 GSC) Monday, March 20 at 10 am.