FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo women’s tennis team defeated visiting Georgia College 5-4 to pick up its first win over a nationally-ranked team in school history March 2.

Georgia College entered the match ranked No. 19 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s NCAA Division II women’s tennis rankings. The win also marked the Falcons’ first win in Peach Belt Conference play in program history.

“This is by far the biggest win in Montevallo women’s tennis history,” said Montevallo women’s tennis coach Mark McGuigan. “I’m extremely proud of my girls and to be part of this great win.”

The Falcons (4-3 overall, 1-2 in Peach Belt Conference) won four of six singles’ matches and one of three doubles’ matches against Georgia College.

Sophomore Niki Polcerova improved to 7-0 in singles’ matches this season following a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ivana Marevic of Georgia College in the No. 1 singles’ match. Sophomore Anais Robert clinched the match for the Falcons with her 6-4, 6-2 win over Katie Krupp of Georgia College in the No. 4 singles’ match in the final match of the day.

Freshman Juanita Ossa defeated Sarah Murray of Georgia College 6-0, 6-1 in the No. 5 singles’ match. Senior Lauren Blair defeated Karissa Ekstrom of Georgia College 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 6 singles’ match.

Freshman Allison Howell dropped her first singles’ match of the season following a 6-1, 6-1 setback against May Johnson of Georgia College in the No. 2 singles’ match. Junior Haley Highfield fell to Kay Barksdale 6-2, 6-2 in the No. 3 singles’ match.

Blair and Ossa teamed up to defeat Murray and Ekstrom 8-1 in the No. 3 doubles’ match.

Polcerova and Robert fell to Barksdale and Krupp 8-5 in the No. 1 doubles’ match. Howell and Highfield fell to Johnson and Marevic 8-5 in the No. 2 doubles’ match.

The Falcons return to action Sunday, March 3 with a Peach Belt Conference match against visiting Augusta State University at noon.