BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – Jacksonville State's women's tennis squad fell in their first match of the season Friday afternoon against the Samford Bulldogs in a tight 4-3 final. While the Gamecocks did not come out victorious, they took the doubles point and had two wins in singles.
 
In doubles play, Anna Syrova and Ella Tuomela got a win against Samford's Emily Surcey and Sara Erenda in a 7-5 battle. Polina Ramenskaja and Lea Erenda fell for the Gamecocks to Samford's Hailey Troup and Margaret Jaraczewski. The Red-and-White brought home the doubles point thanks to Irene Artigas and Aneka Patel defeating Eleni Liakonis and Meredith Taylor in a tight 7-6 match.
 
In singles action, Erenda and Ramenskaja picked up wins for the Gamecocks. Erenda beat Samford's Erenda due to a withdrawal. Lea Erenda lost the first set 6-3, won the second 6-4, and was up 3-0 in the third before Samford's Erenda had to withdraw to claim a Jax State singles point.
 
Ramenskaja got the other win in singles for Jax State. She won the first set against Samford's Troup 6-3, lost the second 6-4, and won the third set 6-3 for the last point for the Gamecocks. Tuomela, Patel, Artigas, and Syrova fell in their singles matches.
 
Jax State will now face Presbyterian Saturday in Birmingham. The match is set to start at 12 p.m.
 
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