Tigers Take Down Hokies in First ACC Win, 4-3 – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson Tigers (8-4, 1-2 ACC) defeated Virginia Tech (6-4, 1-3 ACC) in the first home ACC matchup 4-3. This marks the first win for the Tigers in ACC play as they move to 1-2. 

“What a great response from the team,” head coach Boomer Saia said. “It was a tough weekend last weekend, and for us to come and find a way to win 4-3, especially after losing the doubles point, I am proud of our response and how we are building the momentum we discussed this week. For us to go out and prove it was a neat thing to watch as a coach, so we look forward to Sunday and the two big matches there and excited for the opportunity to compete again.”

In doubles, the Tigers were off to a great start, with Cristina Mayorova and Leigh Van Zyl winning on court two. The duo defeated Semra Aksu and Erika Chend 6-4. On courts one and three, Clemson fought hard but fell 6-4, on both courts.

Starting us strong in singles, all courts won their first set, except for courts two and five. Sophia Hatton was the first Tiger to fall in singles, bested by Aksu 6-4, 6-3. Shortly after, Daniella Medvedeva defeated Barad Itzhaki 6-1, 6-2 in her debut match in her senior season at Duckworth Family Tennis Facility, scoring the first point for the Tigers. 

Eleni Louka followed and secured the second point, defeating Andreni 6-3, 6-4, tying up the match 2-2. Mayorova fell on court 2, fighting hard, but ultimately was edged 6-4, 6-3 by Uslu. The score fell to 3-2, with Virginia Tech taking the lead. 

Van Zyl stopped Virginia Tech’s momentum, tying the score back to 3-3 after defeating Radulova 6-4, 6-3. 

With the score tied at 3-3, the match came down to court four. Jenna Thompson sealed the win for the Tigers in a tough 7-5, 6-4 victory over Cartledge. 

Up Next: The Tigers will compete against No. 5 Virginia and Charleston Southern in a doubleheader slated to begin at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility on Sunday, March 3. 

Doubles (2,3,1):

1. Katie Andreini/Daria Radulova (VT) def. Eleni Louka/Jenna Thompson (CU), 6-4.
2. Cristina Mayorova/Leigh Van Zyl (CU) def. Semra Aksu/Erika Cheng (CU), 6-4.
3. Charlotte Cartledge/Ozlem Uslu (VT) def. Alexandra Anttila/Sophia Hatton (CU), 6-4.

Singles (5,3,1,2,6,4)

1. Louka (CU) def. Andreni (VT) 6-3, 6-4.
2.  Uslu (VT) def. Mayorova (CU) 6-4, 6-3.
3. Medvedeva (CU) def. Barad Itzhaki (VT) 6-1, 6-2.
4. Thompson (CU) def. Radulova (VT) 7-5, 6-4.
5. Aksu (VT) def. Hatton (CU) 6-4, 6-3.
6. Van Zyl (CU) def. Cartledge (VT) 6-4, 6-3.