Southeastern Receives Strong Efforts from Faces New and Old to Open 2019 Campaign
LAKELAND, Fla. – After ending last season with a tough 6-3 loss to Warner University, the Southeastern University women’s tennis team opened up the 2019 campaign with a resounding 8-1 handling of the Royals at the Beerman Family Tennis Complex.
The Fire earned a strong 2-1 start in doubles play. The pairing of Mia Dunagan and Priscila Baptista, both freshman, earned the first win of the day for SEU at the No. 3 doubles 8-6.
Sharienne Ricardo and Beatrice Letizia cemented the Fire lead heading into the break with an 8-6 win of their own at No. 1 doubles.
Southeastern rolled its way through singles’ competition. Sweeping the first set of each match and ultimately claiming victory in each singles’ contest.
Ricardo earned a 2-0 (6-2, 6-2) win at No. 1, while Letizia earned a quick 2-0 decision (6-1, 6-0).
Second Team All-Sun Conference standout last season, Angelique Myrtil, picked up where she left off last season with a two-set win (6-1, 6-3).
After gritting out a 7-4 tiebreaking win in the first set at No. 4, Baptista cruised to victory with a 6-0 second set.
Gabby Marshall was a two-set winner (6-3, 6-1) at No. 5, while Dunagan rounded out the day at No. 6 with 6-1 and 6-3 set victories.
All three freshmen the Fire started (Letzia, Baptista, Dunagan) went 2-0 in their first collegiate matches.
“I think it’s exciting to see the growth we’ve had from the fall to now,” shared interim head coach Drew Dickens, who earned his first wins as a collegiate head coach this afternoon. “The fact that we have familiar faces stepping up, as well as new ones who are already making a difference is super encouraging.”
The Fire look to build momentum off the solid start as they face receiving votes St. Thomas on the road this Saturday. Match time is set for 1:30 p.m.