Women's tennis falls to Kennesaw State at home

Troy women’s tennis is now 4-3 in the spring season following its 4-2 defeat at the hands of Kennesaw State. With this defeat, the Trojans are on a two-match losing streak heading into a two-match homestand to close out the month of February. 

While Troy lost the doubles point, it pushed Kennesaw State to play all three doubles matches. From the No. 3 position, Veena Nazar and Emilia Namyslo defeated the Kennesaw State duo of Maria Ivankovic and Irene Serrano, 6-2. The duo of Leena Metwally and Alexia Zarate battled Rianna Coreisa and Izabelle Persson in a match that ended 7-5 in favor of the Owls. 

In singles play, Maria Guirguis battled Ema Baraniakova to a three-set finish featuring a tiebreaker. Baraniakova took set one 7-6 (7-5). Guirguis battled back to take set two 6-4 and ultimately took set three 6-2. 

Sama Hindawy fell in three sets in her match against Izabelle Persson. Persson took set one, 6-2, but Hindawy fought back, taking set two, 6-4. In the third set, Persson toppled Hindawy, 6-4.  

On court five, Veena Nazar defeated Irene Serrano in a three-set thriller. Serrano took set one, then Nazar punched back to win set two. In set three, Nazar pushed the battle to a tiebreaker in which she won, 7-6 (7-4). 

Leena Metwally was in the third set of her match before it was ultimately abandoned.

Metwally dropped set one and battled in set two to earn a third set and a tiebreaker, 7-6 (3). The score of set three was 3-2 in favor of Kennesaw State when the match was called. 

Troy will continue its homestand next week when it does battle with Jacksonville State and Mercer. Action against the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State is set for Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.

Following this, the Trojans and Bears will clash on Feb. 28 to conclude the month. 

The arrival of Mercer also marks the return of former head coach Eric Hayes. Hayes led the Trojans for 11 seasons, spanning from 2002-2013. During his tenure, Hayes led the Trojans to 11 Sun Belt Conference tTournamentappearances while also being named the 2004 ASUN Coach of the Year.