CLEMSON, S.C.— The Montreat College women's tennis team battled a pair of top-15 opponents on Saturday at the Grizzly Invitational in Clemson, S.C. Playing inside the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility, the Cavaliers lost a 4-0 final to No. 14 University of the Cumberlands before falling to No. 13 Georgia Gwinnett College, 4-1. With the defeats, the Cavs dropped to 2-5 on the season, while the Patriots improved to 4-1 and the Grizzlies moved to 2-5.
Montreat surrendered the doubles point in its opening matchup with UC. On court one,
Catalina Pan and
Clara Roman were in a competitive position, but their match remained unfinished with a score of 1-4 when play was halted.
Ana Marija Horvacki and
Yamile Cuiza faced a swift conclusion at No. 2, ending their match without securing a game, 0-6. The Cavaliers forfeited the third doubles match, handing the Patriots a 1-0 lead on the scoreboard.
In singles play, the Cavs encountered a series of challenging matches. Cuiza and
Kathryn Salazar were unable to pick up a game as they lost 0-6, 0-6 on courts three and five. Montreat forfeited the sixth singles clash, meaning Cumberlands officially wrapped up its 4-0 victory. Roman, Pan and Horvacki were trailing in their unfinished matches when play concluded.
Georgia Gwinnett seized the doubles point to open the Cavaliers' second team dual match of the afternoon. Pan and Roman fell on the first court, 2-6, while Cuiza and Horvacki were defeated 1-6 at No. 2.
In singles action, Roman was unable to secure a win in the top spot, losing 0-6, 0-6 to the NAIA's No. 35-ranked player. Pan also faced a tough match on the second court, finishing 1-6, 2-6. Coupled with a forfeit at No. 6, the Grizzlies notched enough points to claim the team dual match. However, Salazar provided a bright spot for Montreat at No. 5 by securing a victory with scores of 6-4, 6-1. Both Cuiza's and Horvacki's bouts ended unfinished in the first set.
The Montreat College women's tennis team returns to campus on Monday, Feb. 23 for a nonconference clash against NCAA Division II Tusculum University. Play is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.
