CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Lee University Women's Tennis team fell to No. 8 West Florida 4-2 Saturday morning at the Baylor School's indoor courts. It was the Gulf South Conference opener for the Lady Flames (3-1, 0-1 GSC).
The teams started with singles competition and played until one side recorded the match-clinching fourth team point.
West Florida (3-1, 3-0 GSC) took a quick 2-0 lead following the completion of No. 3 and No. 1 singles. At the third spot, Asia Grzegrzolka was defeated 6-1, 6-2 by No. 29 Karolina Silwanowicz. Berta Bonardi, ranked No. 1, beat Francesca Tondi 6-2, 6-1 at the top spot.
Lisa Kirr ended UWF's win streak with 6-2 scores in both sets against Valeria Mantilla at No. 4 singles.
"Great win for Lisa," said Lee head coach Patric Hynes. "We moved her up a spot today and she showed that she is more than capable at this level."
Carley Sickinger posted a 6-2 advantage in her opening set with to Jennifer Rink before Rink reversed the scores in the second set to force a third. Sickinger outlasted Rink 6-4 in the final set to even the team score at 2-2.
"Carley played fantastic. She showed tremendous discipline on the court today. She really had to think her way through this match and we are proud of her for getting the result," added Hynes.
The Argos received wins in the final two singles matches to secure the team win. Diana Vlad beat Micaela Belen Maiz 6-4, 6-0; and Heather Mixon was a 6-2, 6-1 winner against Sierra Donaldson.
"UWF deserved to win today, but going forward, I think we can take some belief that we are headed in the right direction," Hynes summed up.
The Lady Flames return to the courts on Monday when Martin Methodist visits the DeVos Tennis Center. The non-conference match is set for 2 p.m.
