ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF women's tennis team earned a big upset over No. 17 Michigan on Saturday, March 5, with a score of 4-3 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.
For the second time in less than a week, the Knights earned an upset over their No. 17 opponent, extending to a three-match win streak
UCF came out on fire to clinch the doubles point in front of a large crowd.
On court one, Evgeniya Levahsova and Marie Mattel were unstoppable against Jaedan Brown and Andrea Cerdan, winning by a score of 6-1.
Sophia Biolay and Nandini Sharma then extended their win streak to four straight after a 6-1 decision on court two over Kari Miller and Fliegner, clinching the doubles point for the Knights.
On court three, Noel Saidenova and Jaleesa Leslie were fighting but their match went unfinished against Anca Craciun and Nicole Hammond, 3-5.
In singles action, Nandini Sharma was working the court to finish first and get the 6-6, 6-2 win over Gala Mesochoritou on court six, helping the Knights to a 2-0 lead, but seconds later Noel Saidenova was unable to overcome her ranked opponent of No. 107 Jaedan Brown, falling 6-3, 6-4, on court two, giving the Wolverines their first point, 2-1.
On court four, Jaleesa Leslie got the edge in the first set, 7-5, and came back even stronger in the second set, 6-2, defeating No. 113 Andrea Cerdan. The Knights then had a 3-1 lead and only needed one more point to clinch.
The remainder three courts were all in their third set after all three Knights fell in the first set, but came back big to win the second, forcing a third set.
On court one, No. 61 Evgeniya Levashova faced highly ranked, No. 8 Kari Miller. Levashova fought hard with a loud crowd supporting her. She kept it close but ultimately fell by a score of 4-6, 6-0, 6-2. Michigan gained another point, 3-2, with two courts to go.
After dropping the first set, 1-6, Sophia Biolay turned things around, winning the second set, 6-4, which gave her confidence going into the third set. Even under pressure, Biolay was able to get the clincher over Julia Fliegner on court five, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
LET'S GO??
— UCF Women's Tennis (@UCF_WTennis) March 5, 2022
A Sophia clincher is everything!#ChargeOn ?? #SomethingSpecial pic.twitter.com/W8rR7tz3YO
Though the match was clinched at 4-2, the match was played out with one court remaining as No. 114 Marie Mattel was taking on Nicole Hammond on court three. Mattel was all over the court but was unable to get the win as she fell, 4-6, 6-4, 2-6, for a final score of 4-3.
POST-MATCH COMMENTS
Head Coach Bryan Koniecko
[On the win]
I am proud of the girls today. They did an amazing job winning the doubles. They came out pretty hot and played well and that gave us a little breather. In singles, it was looking a little harsh for us in the first set, but we turned it around in the second set. Today went our way and I couldn't be happier with them and what they've done.
UP NEXT
The Knights are right back in action tomorrow to take on No. 5 Texas in Orlando, Florida at the USTA National Campus.
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