JACKSON, Miss. – An early advantage paid big dividends in a competitive match on Saturday afternoon for Jacksonville State's women's tennis squad. The Gamecocks earned the first three points of the match and did just enough to tally a 4-3 win at Jackson State.
 
"Jackson State battles with us every year like this," Jax State head coach Mike Mucci said after the win. "Luckily, we were a little bit better in the big moments and getting the doubles (point) was also huge. We will regroup for a challenging portion of our schedule now."
 
Jacksonville State (4-1) picked up the doubles point thanks to wins in the first and second doubles flights. Romane Mosse and Irene Artigas won 6-3, then Anna Syrova and Ella Tuomela secured the point with a slim 7-6 triumph. The tandem of Zuzana Pavelekova and Polina Ramenskaja had a 6-5 advantage in their showdown before the point was clinched.
 
Singles play started similarly for Jax State. Pavelekova (6-2, 6-0) and Mosse (7-5, 6-3) earned quick victories to produce a 3-0 lead for Mucci's team. Tuomela's three-set victory (6-2, 4-6, 6-4) in the no. 4 singles flight wrapped the match in Red-and-White, but the Tigers (0-2) responded with three wins in the final four matchups to conclude the non-conference pairing. 
 
Jacksonville State will have six days off before their next outings. The Gamecocks will have a doubleheader next Saturday at the JSU Tennis Courts. The women and men will both play host to Wallace State Community College at 10 a.m., then take on Young Harris at around 1 p.m.
 
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 JKST
1/28/2023 at Jackson, Miss.
JSU 4, ASU 3
 
Singles Competition
 

1. Romane Mosse (JSU) def. Robin Alston (JKST) 7-5, 6-3
2. Paula Molina (JKST) def. Anna Syrova (JSU) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
3. Tyra-Nicole Whyte (JKST) def. Polina Ramanskaja (JSU) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3)
4. Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Daniela Ramos (JKST) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
5. Zuzana Pavelekova (JSU) def. Isabela Jaramillo (JKST) 6-2, 6-0
6. Zeina Shaaban (JKST) def. Dariana Prato (JSU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

 
Doubles Competition
 

1. Irene Artigas/Romane Mosse (JSU) def. Paula Molina/Daniela Ramos (JKST) 6-3
2. Anna Syrova/Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Robin Alston/Tyra-Nicole Whyte (JKST)
3. Zuzana Pavelekova/Polina Ramenskaja (JSU) vs. Isabela Jaramillo/Zeina Shaaban (JKST) 6-5, unfinished