HILTON HEAD — With the match tied at four apiece in singles action a two-set 7-6, 6-4 decision from Joelle Husle clinched the 5-4 win Saturday for the Wolves to shock No. 15 Florida Southern.

The dramatic comeback marked Newberry’s first victory over a nationally-ranked program.

Head coach Mark Garner was proud of his team’s effort.

“I was impressed with the resilience the girls showed throughout the match, their energy proved how much they wanted to win. This was a great showing for our program,” he said.

After falling behind 2-1 after doubles play, a 6-2, 6-2 decision from No. 1 Amanda Carrillo knotted it 2-2 to start singles.

Rebeca Martinez and Lucia Davila would drop both of their matches at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots to give Florida Southern the 4-2 advantage.

With the Moccasins needing one point with three matches still on the court, the situation looked bleak for the Wolves. However, within 15 minutes the match was over, and Newberry was the one who came out on top.

Quick decisions from No. 2 Elisa Aguirre (7-6, 6-2), No. 3 Marta Gomar (7-5, 6-2), and No. 6 Husle (7-6, 6-4) swung momentum back towards the Wolves, with Husle’s win sealing the momentous upset.

Doubles play was shaky for Newberry with the Moccasins taking the 2-1 edge with pair Aguirre and Davila being the lone victors with the 8-3 decision.

The Wolves would also take the victory against York on Friday, 7-2 and Salem University 9-0 on Monday.

Newberry’s 5-4 victory over Florida Southern is team’s first victory over a nationally-ranked program.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Wolves-Women-Tennis.jpgNewberry’s 5-4 victory over Florida Southern is team’s first victory over a nationally-ranked program. Courtesy photo

Staff Report