TROY, Ala. – Singles victories by Dariana Prato, Polina Ramenskaja, Serafima Shastova, and Anna Syrova carried Jacksonville State women's tennis to the program's first-ever victory over Troy in Saturday's non-conference bout. The Gamecocks' historic triumph stands as their fifth consecutive victory after two full weeks off the courts.
 
"This is a historic win for our team," head coach Mike Mucci said. "We've never beaten Troy in the history of our program. We were 0-9 coming into today. I'm very proud of how each girl battled and found a way to fight for ever point in singles."
 
Jax State (6-1) appeared to shake off some rust in doubles competition. After Syrova and Ella Tuomela claimed a 6-3 win on court three, the Trojans (3-1) rattled off slim victories in the other two flights to earn the opening point.
 
The Gamecocks wasted no time battling back in singles play. Shastova (6-4, 6-2) and Ramenskaja (6-1, 7-5) put Mucci's squad on top with victories on courts one and four, then a 6-3, 6-3, result for Syrova had Jacksonville State on the brink of history. Thankfully, Jax State was able to clinch the match with a win in the no. 5 singles flight. Dariana Prato outlasted Troy's Maria Guirguis 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, to solidify the massive achievement in south Alabama.
 
"At the end of the day, it was great to see Dariana clinch the match at five," Mucci said. "She's been here for each of the three years I've been here and played against Troy."
 
Jacksonville State has won five matches in a row since falling at Mississippi State, 4-3, on Jan. 20. They will return to play next week with a pair of road tests against quality foes. The Gamecocks travel to Statesboro, Ga., on Tuesday for a showdown at Georgia Southern, then head to Tallahassee, Fla., for a Friday morning fight at Florida A&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 TU
2/18/2023 at Troy, Ala.
JSU 4, TU 3
 
Singles Competition
 

1. Serafima Shastova (JSU) def. Kristina Kukaras (TU) 6-4, 6-2
2. Ramadan Hagar (TU) def. Romane Mosse (JSU) 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 (10-0)
3. Anna Syrova (JSU) def. Valeriia Avdeeva (TU) 6-3, 6-3
4. Polina Ramenskaja (JSU) def. Olivia Elliott (TU) 6-1, 7-5
5. Dariana Prato (JSU) def. Maria Guirguis (TU) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2
6. Franziska Ahrend (TU) def. Zuzana Pavelekova (JSU) 6-4, 7-5

Doubles Competition
 

1. Olivia Elliott/Andrea Widing (TU) def. Irene Artigas/Romane Mosse (JSU) 7-6 (7-2)
2. Kristina Kukaras/Hagar Ramadan (TU) def. Polina Ramenskaja/Serafima Shastova (JSU) 6-4
3. Anna Syrova/Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Valeriia Avdeeva/Maria Guirguis (TU) 6-3