MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Facing the No. 2 team for the third time in three weeks, the No. 6 Saint Leo women's tennis team dropped a 5-0 decision to Barry University in the NCAA South Region final on Sunday at the Buccaneers Tennis Center.
The Lions conclude their season with a 19-6 record while the hosting Buccaneers advance to the NCAA Division II Tennis Championship in Surprise, Ariz. with a 21-1 overall record.
Barry carried a 3-0 advantage into singles play, sweeping tandem action against the Lions. No. 4 duo of Linda Fritschken and Emma Onila defeated Isabella Robbiani and Gabrielle Paul by an 8-3 set score before Elisabeth Abanda and Kimmy Twelker defeated Saint Leo twosome of Pauline Helgesson and Anastasia Wagner by an 8-4 margin.
Barry's top-court tandem, No. 3 Sonja Larsen and Ana Pain completed the sweep with an 8-4 win over Paula Montoya and Marine Beugre-Guyot.
Wagner fell by 6-1 and 6-0 set scores to No. 29 Fritschken to give Barry a 4-0 advantage before No. 4 Larsen outdueled Beugre-Guyot by 6-1 and 6-4 sets to clinch a spot in the tennis championships.
Head coach Chris Frusci led his women's squad to its fourth consecutive postseason appearance in his first season at the helm of the Green and Gold. The Lions finish with a No. 6 ranking and conclude the season with a 19-6 record.
For more information on the Saint Leo women's tennis program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
