JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State women's tennis rebounded from a slow start to tally a 5-2 victory in Thursday's home opener against Lee. The Gamecocks dropped the doubles point but scored wins in five of six singles flights to earn their second win of 2023.
 
"Today was a battle," Jacksonville State head coach Mike Mucci said after the win. "We were a bit shorthanded and Lee came to play in doubles. We need to find a way to always bring the energy and win that first point, but I was happy with how the girls responded by winning five of the six singles points."
 
Anna Syrova and Ella Tuomela picked up a 6-1 win in doubles action to start the day, but a pair of victories by the Flames gave Lee an early advantage. It marked the first time this season that Jacksonville State did not claim the doubles point.
 
Fortunately, that would not matter in the home opener as the Gamecocks dominated singles competition. A pair of quick triumphs from Prato (6-0, 6-0) and Zuzana Pavelekova (6-1, 6-2) put Jax State out in front, and thrilling wins for Ella Tuomela (6-4, 6-1) and Mosse (6-2, 6-2) clinched the match victory. Undefeated freshman Polina Ramenskaja added another win (7-6 [8-6], 6-2) for good measure to close out the friendly matchup.
 
Jax State secured the competitive win without the services of one of their top performers. Freshman standout Serafima Shastova was unavailable on Thursday, but numerous Gamecocks stepped up in the outing against a solid Division II foe.
 
Thursday's home win moves Jacksonville State above .500 on the season and serves as a big confidence booster ahead of this weekend's road trip through the Magnolia State. The Gamecocks will play at Alcorn State on Friday morning (11:30 a.m. start-time) and then head to Jackson State the next day (11 a.m. start).
 
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Twitter (@JaxStateTN), Instagram (@JaxStateWTennis), and Facebook (Jacksonville State University Tennis) accounts. 
 
Tennis Match Results
JSU vs LU
1/25/2023 at Jacksonville, Ala. (JSU Tennis Courts)
JSU 5, LU 2
 
Singles Competition
 

1. Romane Mosse (JSU) def. Ashleigh Simes (LU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Micaela Maiz (LU) def. Anna Syrova (JSU) 6-3, 6-4
3. Polina Ramenskaja (JSU) def. Mirjana Ragastovac (LU) 7-6 (8-6), 6-2
4. Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Matina Ujdur (LU) 6-4. 6-1
5. Dariana Prato (JSU) def. Elizaveta Gnilozubova (LU) 6-0, 6-0
6. Zuzana Pavelekova (JSU) def. Maria Duarte (LU) 6-1. 6-2

 
Doubles Competition
 

1. Ashleigh Simes/Matina Ujdur (LU) def. Irene Artigas/Polina Ramenskaja (JSU) 6-2
2. Anna Syrova/Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Maria Duarte/Micaela Maiz (LU) 6-1
3. Elizaveta Gnilozubova/Mirjana Ragastovac (LU) def. Romane Mosse/Dariana Prato (JSU) 6-4