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HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
5
Winner Lander Unviersity LUW26 (1-0)
2
Emmanuel University EUWT2526 (1-4)
Winner
Lander Unviersity LUW26
(1-0)
5
Final
2
Emmanuel University EUWT2526
(1-4)
Maria Jose Zarza vs PC 2026
Hailey Franklin

Match Recap: Women's Tennis | | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Opens Season with 5-2 Road Win Over Emmanuel

FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. - Behind a dominant showing in doubles play and a strong push through the middle of the singles lineup, Lander University women's tennis team started its 2026 season with a convincing 5-2 victory over Emmanuel University on the road Thursday afternoon.

The win marks head coach Alan Ferguson's first victory leading the Bearcats, adding a strong start to his tenure with the program.

Lander (1-0) wasted no time setting the tone, sweeping all three doubles courts, including a default win at No. 3 to claim the opening point. The No. 1 pair of Evelyn Altmaier and Bailee Martin powered past Anna Goncalves and Tawana Senah, 6-3, while Maria Jose Zarza and Thilda Danielsson closed out a 6-4 win on Court 2.

In singles play, Lander extended its lead with strong performances at the No. 2, 4, 5, and 6 positions. Zarza was particularly sharp at No. 2, dropping just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 win over Goncalves. Ella Sowman and Sydney Caulder added straight-set wins at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, while Micaela Pallete collected a default victory at No. 6.

The Bearcats clinched the match early, building a 5-0 lead before Emmanuel salvaged two points at the top of the lineup. Emmanuel's Tawana Senah held off Altmaier 7-5, 7-5 at No. 1 singles, and Anhelina Zmushko edged out Martin in a third-set super tiebreak on Court 3.

With limited depth and a short-handed roster, Emmanuel (1-4) was forced to forfeit at both the No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles positions, further tilting the match in Lander's favor.

Lander will look to build momentum as it returns home for the home opener Saturday, Feb. 7, with a match against Mount Olive set for 1 p.m. at the Joe Cabri Tennis Center.
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