BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A three-set triumph in the top singles flight by Serafima Shastova clinched a massive win for Jacksonville State's women's tennis program on Tuesday afternoon. Her singles result at the Hoover Met helped the Gamecocks complete a come-from-behind victory for the ages, toppling UAB 4-1 for their first win over the Blazers since 1992. 
 
"It's obviously a big win for the program, but no matter how that one turned out I couldn't have been more proud of the girls and how they fought today," first-year head coach Michael Helms said. "We lost the doubles point, took it personal, and went to work in singles. We battled so hard and were determined to fight and focus with every point, whether we were up or down.
 
"These are the kind of matches that remind you of how much they want it and why they do what they do," Helms added.
 
Jax State (2-2) dropped the match's opening point for the first time this season against UAB (0-4). However, after a pair of 6-3 losses in two-on-two competition, Helms' squad woke up just in time for singles action.
 
Dariana Prato (6-1, 6-4) and Anna Syrova (6-2, 6-2) rolled to quick wins on courts three and four respectively to put the Gamecocks on top. The Red-and-White were at the brink of glory after Polina Ramenskaja completed a three-set comeback over Klara Kajabova, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, and Shastova clinched the victory in No. 1 singles. Her 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-3, decision wrapped up a big afternoon in the Magic City, scoring a huge in-state success for Jax State.
 
Following back-to-back road wins over Eastern Kentucky and UAB, the Gamecocks will finally return home on Friday for their 2024 home opener. That match versus Alabama A&M at the Jax State Tennis Courts will begin at 1 p.m. Links to follow along with live stats will be provided at JaxStateSports.com.
 
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