Apr 20, 2013

Seventh-ranked Lions Fall to No. 2 Barry in SSC Championship Game

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The amazing run of the seventh-ranked Saint Leo University women's tennis team in the Sunshine State Conference came to an end on Saturday afternoon after the Lions dropped a 5-1 decision to the second-ranked Barry University Buccaneers in the SSC Championship game.

In the title game played at South County Regional Park, the Lions (17-5) held tough in doubles action, but only the No. 2 Emily Singleton and Laura Kemkes managed a victory as the Buccaneers (24-0) overcame deficits at Nos. 1 and 3 for a 2-1 advantage heading into singles play.

Playing with a nationally ranked lineup at Nos. 1,2 and 3, Barry quickly picked up wins at Nos. 1 and 5 to take a 4-1 advantage. Once the Buccaneers' No. 1 player claimed victory, the match tilted in favor of the top-seed from Miami Shores.

Despite the loss, the Lions await information about a possible repeat bid to the NCAA Tournament. Saint Leo will find out their playoff future in the days to come.

Stayed tuned to SaintLeoLions.com for information about the NCAA Tournament.

#2 Barry 5, #7 Saint Leo 1
04/20/13 at Boca Raton, Fla. (South County Regional Park)

Singles competition

1. #28 Elisabeth Abanda (BUW) def. #37 Coralie Pesenti (SLW) 6-0, 6-2

2. #41 Emma Onila (BUW) def. Pauline Helgesson (SLW) 6-0, 6-2

3. #33 Linda Fritschken (BUW) vs. Adrianna Daszkiewicz (SLW) 6-2, 2-1, unfinished

4. Karina Goia (BUW) vs. Maria Benkirane (SLW) 6-3, 0-1, unfinished

5. Kimmy Twelker (BUW) def. Emily Singleton (SLW) 6-0, 6-3

6. Akemi Maehama (BUW) vs. Phoebe Di Leo (SLW) 6-2, 2-0, unfinished

Doubles competition

1. #11 Elisabeth Abanda/Emma Onila (BUW) def. Maria Benkirane/Pauline Helgesson (SLW) 8-4

2. Emily Singleton/Laura Kemkes (SLW) def. Linda Fritschken/Kimmy Twelker (BUW) 9-8 (7-4)