KENNESAW, Ga. – Jacksonville State's women's tennis team could not catch the breaks they needed in Saturday's 4-3 loss at Kennesaw State. The Gamecocks dropped the doubles point and fell one singles victory shy of topping the Owls for the first time in five years. 
 
KSU (4-4) produced a clean sweep of doubles play at the Betty Siegel Courts. They won 6-3, 6-1, and 6-3 in the three flights to take a dominant opening point. 
 
Serafima Shastova ensured that Jax State (5-5) would not have to wait too long to respond. The sophomore standout and reigning Conference USA Athlete of the Week scored a decisive 6-0, 6-2, triumph in the top flight to knot it up at one. Although Dariana Prato (5-7, 6-4, 6-4) and Irene Artigas (2-6, 6-3, 6-4) posted three-set comebacks in No. 3 and No. 5 singles respectively, it was not enough as Kennesaw State added a pair of three-setters of their own to clinch the rivalry match win. 
 
The Gamecocks are back in action next weekend with a pair of road contests. They play at North Alabama at 1 p.m. next Friday, then head to the Bluegrass State to face off with Murray State at 12 p.m. Monday.
 
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jax State Women's Tennis), Instagram (@JaxStateWTEN), and X (@JaxStateWTEN) accounts.