Petersen Ties Singles Record, Dukes Fall 5-2 at ECU

Friday, February 15

Greenville, N.C.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

ECU

2/15/2019 6:03:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Senior Emma Petersen racked up her 77th career singles victory to tie the program record as James Madison women's tennis fell 5-2, in a hard fought battle against East Carolina at the River Birch Tennis Center on Friday afternoon.

The result saw JMU fall to 4-3, while ECU claimed their third consecutive win and improved to 3-2 on the dual season.

ECU took control early after victories at No. 1 (6-1) and No. 2 doubles allowed the Pirates to claim the doubles point and a 1-0 advantage.

ECU's Alisa Diercksen increased the Pirate advantage to 2-0, defeating freshman Daniela Voloh in straight-sets (6-1, 6-4) at No. 3.

Senior Abby Amos got the Dukes on the board with a straight-set victory of her own over Celia Ruiz, 6-4, 6-4 at the number two slot.

On court five, Petersen tied the contest at two, using the momentum from a huge 7-2 first-set tiebreak victory to roll past Minette Van Vreden 6-1 in the second to claim her sixth singles victory of the spring and the 77th of her career to tie Jacqueline Palmucci for most-career singles triumphs.

"Playing outside today was a big adjustment and my main focus in my match was to make a lot of balls in court and out rally my opponent," Petersen said. "Coming out with a win and being atop a career list is an extremely rewarding feeling."

The Pirates, however, regained control of the match, following Martina Paladini-Jennings' hard fought victory over junior Jona Roka 7-6(7), 6-2.

With ECU leading 3-2, Lisa Hofbauer clinched match point and the Pirates third win of the dual season with a three-set 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over freshman Daria Afanasyeva at No.1.

"Overall, the team competed really well today despite the obstacles. We all gave our best efforts, but unfortunately we didn't come out on top today," Petersen said.

At No.6 Nastja Rettich needed three-sets to battle past freshman Michelle Los Arcos Balasch to close the afternoon and ECU's 5-2 win.

UP NEXT
The Dukes will travel to Raleigh, N.C. for a showdown with No. 17 N.C. State tomorrow afternoon at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. First Serve is set for 4 p.m.