Sumter, S.C. – Southern Wesleyan defeated the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in the first round of Conference Carolinas post season to advance them to the semi-finals.  The Warriors won in a 5-4 final.

Match Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 5, Belmont Abbey 4

Records: Southern Wesleyan (12-8), Belmont Abbey (10-16)

Coach Jernigan Says…

"Today's match was not our prettiest match this season, but we showed more toughness today then I've seen all year. We know going in that Belmont Abbey was going to be a very tough match. They are extremely talented and well coached. We played great in doubles but started flat in singles. So proud of Katherina Wintrich who played a great third set to cling math for us when it was tied 4-4. We had to show fight, guts and courage and we did. Very proud of the team today. We made history by winning the first post season tennis match in SWU history."

How It Happened

The Warriors took two out of three of the doubles action to lead of the match against the Crusaders.  Aimee Dorley and Kristi Cooper won the first match-up of the series against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders on Friday afternoon, taking their match in an 8-2 final.  Jennifer Ball and Alexia Rodriguez took their match 8-2. 

Southern Wesleyan and Belmont Abbey split singles action, each taking three.  Alexia Rodriguez started the Warriors off strong, taking a 7-6(3) and 6-2 victory over Belmont Abbey's DeFinch.  The Crusaders countered to win the next two singles competitions, however Kristi Cooper put the Warriors back in the game with a 3-6, 6-3 and 7-6(3) win over Noblett.  Katherina Wintrich won the final singles match for the Warriors in 6-2, 5-7 and 7-6(2) to give the Warriors the overall win.

What's Next

The Warriors will advance to the semi-finals of Conference Carolinas post season on April 22 and will take on the Barton Bulldogs at noon.