STATESBORO, Ga. – Jacksonville State women's tennis could not recover from a slow start and dropped Tuesday's non-conference match at Georgia Southern, 5-2. That loss halted a five-match winning streak for the Gamecocks, who had been on a tear since an early-season road loss to Mississippi State.
 
"We knew Georgia Southern would be tough to prepare for on such a quick turnaround, but we didn't bring our best energy and focus in the beginning of the doubles point today," head coach Mike Mucci said. "That was disappointing, along with slow starts at some points. We will use this as a lesson for the work we still need to do to become the program we want to be."
 
Jax State (6-2) surrendered the doubles point after three competitive flights against the Eagles (4-1). After a decisive loss on court one, the duo of Anna Syrova and Ella Tuomela rebounded for a thrilling 7-5 triumph to tie it up. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks could not rally in the no. 2 doubles showdown and fell, 6-4.
 
An experienced Georgia Southern squad rolled to a pair of quick victories in singles competition. The Eagles led 3-0 before Jacksonville State responded with a 6-4, 6-4, result for Serafima Shastova and a 7-5, 6-4, win from Romane Mosse. Their efforts would not be enough, however, as a couple of three-set back-breakers clinched the match for the home team. Syrova (7-6, 3-6, 2-6) and Tuomela (0-6, 6-3, 2-6) battled in the no. 3 and no. 6 singles flights, but could not close it out in Tuesday's defeat.
 
Mucci's squad will conclude a three-match road-trip later this week in the Sunshine State. Following away tests at Troy and Mercer, the Gamecocks will head to Tallahassee, Fla., on Friday morning, for a 10 a.m. first serve versus 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 GS
2/21/2023 at Statesboro, Ga.
GS 5, JSU 2
 
Singles Competition
 

1. Serafima Shastova (JSU) def. Silvia Martinez (GS) 6-4, 6-4
2. Romane Mosse (JSU) def. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 7-5, 6-4
3. Ninon Martinache (GS) def. Anna Syrova (JSU) 7-6, 3-6, 6-2
4. Nanaka Kijima (GS) def. Polina Ramenskaja (JSU) 6-1, 7-5
5. Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Dariana Prato (JSU) 6-4, 6-3
6. Paula Hijos (GS) def. Ella Tuomela (JSU) 6-0, 3-6, 6-2

Doubles Competition
 

1. Liv Ryan/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Irene Artigas/Romane Mosse (JSU) 6-2
2. Sonja Keranen/Silvia Martinez (GS) def. Polina Ramenskaja/Serafima Shastova (JSU) 6-4
3. Anna Syrova/Ella Tuomela (JSU) def. Ninon Martinache/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) 7-5