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HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
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Lander Unviersity LU (4-3)
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Winner Belmont Abbey College BAC (10-4)
Lander Unviersity LU
(4-3)
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Final
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Belmont Abbey College BAC
(10-4)
Winner
Maria Jose Zarza vs YHC WTENNIS 2026
Hailey Franklin

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

Zarza Tops Ranked Opponent in Lander Setback at Belmont Abbey

BELMONT, N.C. - Maria Jose Zarza remained unbeaten in singles play, but Lander fell 6-1 to Belmont Abbey, which extended its winning streak to nine matches Wednesday afternoon at the Reidy Tennis Center.

Zarza accounted for Lander's only point with a strong showing at No. 1 singles, taking down No. 71-ranked Kaitlin Nguyen in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. The win improves her record to a perfect 7-0 on the season.

Belmont Abbey (10-4) carried momentum into doubles play, sweeping all three matches to claim the opening point. The Crusaders struck first at No. 3 doubles, where Leilany Sanchez and Rebekka Collyer defeated Ella Sowman and Micaela Pallete, 6-4.

Wins followed at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles, as Hanley Riner and Mackenzie McCarthy edged Evelyn Altmaier and Bailee Martin, 7-5, and Alexis Burkhalter and Nguyen topped Zarza and Thilda Danielsson by the same score.

In singles, Belmont Abbey quickly built its lead. Sanchez opened with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Sowman at No. 5 singles before Zarza answered with Lander's only point at the top position.

The Crusaders then secured the match with consecutive wins. Rebekka Collyer defeated Pallete 6-2, 6-1 at No. 6 singles, followed by Alexis Burkhalter's 7-5, 6-3 victory over Sydney Caulder at No. 2 to clinch.

Belmont Abbey added two more wins to close out the contest. Hanley Riner defeated Martin 7-5, 6-1 at No. 3 singles, and McCarthy finished off the match with a win over Danielsson, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, at No. 4.

Lander will look to bounce back in its next match on March 24 against Francis Marion in Florence, S.C. The match, rescheduled from Feb. 26, is set for a 2:30 p.m. start.
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