AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lander University's women's tennis team jumped out to an early lead in doubles play. However, Augusta mounted a singles comeback to claim a 4-3 victory at the Newman Tennis Center on Tuesday afternoon.
Â
Doubles Recap
Â
The Bearcats (8-8) dominated doubles, securing wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions to take a 1-0 lead heading into singles.Â
Â
Singles Recap
Â
Lander carried that momentum into singles as Elsborg and
Evelyn Altmaier cruised to straight-set victories at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, pushing the Bearcats ahead 3-0. Elsborg topped Gonzalez 6-4, 6-3, while Altmaier handled Martinez 6-2, 6-3.
Â
However, Augusta (13-5) stormed back in the remaining singles matches to turn the tide.
Bailee Martin came up short at No. 4 against Priscilla Landi, falling 7-5, 6-4. Panchal and Sowman both forced decisive third sets at No. 5 and No. 6 but couldn't fend off Augusta's surge, as Panchal fell 3-6, 6-1, 6-0, and Sowman dropped a 7-5, 1-6, 2-6 decision to Giovanna Patrocinio.
Â
With the match tied at 3-3, all eyes turned to No. 3 singles, where Zarza battled until the end in a grueling three-set thriller. After taking the first set 7-5, she fought through a back-and-forth contest but ultimately fell to Luciana Bejarano 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), sealing Augusta's comeback victory.
Â
Despite the tough loss, Lander showed resilience in a competitive match. The Bearcats will look to bounce back in their next contest as they continue conference play.
Â
UP NEXTÂ
Lander will look to regroup as they return home to face a tough challenge against No. 9 North Georgia on Friday, April 4, at noon at the Joe Cabri Tennis Center.