Racers Conclude Perfect Weekend with Win Over Panthers

Saturday, April 13

Charleston, Ill.

11 a.m.

Murray State

Eastern Illinois

Photo by: Dan Hasko

Racers Conclude Perfect Weekend with Win Over Panthers

4/13/2019 8:14:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Playing their second match in 24 hours, the Murray State women's tennis team would take on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois University in another Ohio Valley Conference match on Saturday afternoon. Picking up right where they left off the day before, the Racers extended their winning streak to four matches after securing the doubles point and winning five of the six singles points in a 6-1 victory at Darling Courts in Charleston, Illinois.

"It was another close one today, and I am very happy with the way we played the whole match. There were some ups and downs during the match, but our attitude was great and we did a great job closing it out," said MSU head coach Jorge Caetano.

In doubles, the Racers saw a fantastic performance from the team of Claire Chang and Jeanne Masson, who prevailed with a score of 6-2. Also earning a victory in doubles, the duo of Amina Hadzic and Sara Loncarevic cruised to a 6-4 win to give Murray State the doubles point on the day.

"Doubles looked good again, and we were able to carry the momentum going into singles where EIU really pushed us on every court," added Caeatno.

In singles, Stasya Sharapova (3-6, 7-5, 6-4), Amina Hadzic (6-4, 7-5), Aarja Chakraborty (4-6, 6-4, 7-6), Sara Loncarevic (5-2, 3-6, 6-4), and Anja Loncarevic (6-1, 6-0) all triumphed in their respective matches for Murray State.

With their wins on Saturday afternoon, Hadzic and Chakraborty both improved to a perfect 7-0 in singles play against OVC competition.

Speaking on Murray State's performance in singles competition, Caetano said, "Anja was very solid for us, getting a quick win and putting another point on the board. Amina also controlled her match the whole time and played very good in the big moments. Aarja, Sara, and Stasya were down in the beginning of the third set, and I am so proud of the resilience they showed to stay with their opponents and wait for the opportunities to turn the matches in our favor."

"It was a big Racer win, and we are just excited to have the opportunity to compete for the championship again on Friday. We know it will be tough but this group understands what it takes and we just can't wait for it," concluded Caetano.

With Saturday's victory over Eastern Illinois, the Racers improve to 12-7 overall, and 6-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Murray State will host Austin Peay on Friday in their final match of the regular season as they compete for the regular season conference title at the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts in Murray, Kentucky.