HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University women's tennis team will hit the road for three matches in the Sunshine State this week, beginning on Wednesday when the Norse take on Bethune-Cookman at 10 a.m.
Atlantic Sun Conference play then looms for the Norse, as they take on Stetson on Thursday for a noon start and Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday at 5 p.m. to wrap up the weekend's action.
The Norse enter the weekend with a record of 5-7 and winners of three of their last four matches – the lone loss in that time frame coming Friday against North Florida to open A-Sun play. The Norse struggled against a high-powered Ospreys squad in the home match.
Danielle Donahue leads the Norse with a 6-6 singles record, including wins in each of her last two singles appearances.
Sydney Power matches the six wins while holding a three-match winning streak entering this week's play.
A WORD ABOUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN: The Wildcats saw a nine-match winning streak snapped last week in a 4-3 loss to Fordham to fall to 12-6 on the season. Mina Matsuba is the team's top singles player, boasting a 12-5 record at the top flight, while Gaby Chinchilla's 11-7 singles mark has led the way on the back end of the singles lineup. Matsuba and Maria Sablina have eight wins at the top doubles flight, while Chinchilla and Maria Garoz-Mareno are a perfect 7-0 in doubles play.
A WORD ABOUT STETSON: The Hatters enter the weekend with a strong 12-2 record, including a 2-0 mark in conference play, and boast a combined 62-17 record in singles play. Three players – Ashley Dean, Carolina Meregalli and Alizee Michaud – share the team lead with 11 singles wins, with Michaud going without a loss in the top flight. In doubles play, Isabella Fernandez and Eveline Lepinay are 11-3, splitting time between the No. 1 and No. 2 flights.
A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA GULF COAST: Through a daunting early-season schedule that included four matches against nationally ranked opponents, the Eagles enter the week with a 4-9 record, including a 2-0 mark in A-Sun play. Johanna Sterkel's 10-4 singles record, primarily playing at No. 3 and No. 4, leads the way, while Sarah Means has three wins at the top flight. Means and her sister Elizabeth Means have combined for four wins at top-flight doubles as well.
UP NEXT: The Norse continue A-Sun play next week with a pair of matches at home, beginning Thursday against Kennesaw State. First serve from the Joyce Yeager Tennis Complex is set for 2 p.m. The week's action concludes on Saturday with a home match against USC Upstate beginning at 10 a.m.
