Box Score (PDF)
ORLANDO, Fla. – The George Mason University women's tennis team put forth an excellent effort in doubles Wednesday but could not carry the momentum into the singles circuit, falling 4-1 to Duquesne in A-10 First Round action at the USTA National Campus.
Mason took two of three doubles matches, but the Dukes won the first four singles affairs to clinch the match. When the contest was called, the Patriots led in the remaining two matches.
To open the day, Mason dropped the first doubles contest, but tied it up at 1-1 after a brilliant effort from seniors
Scarlett Walston and
Olivia Lacy-Thompson, playing in their final match for the Green & Gold. The tandem went out in excellent fashion while taking the match 6-4. The Patriots broke Duquesne early, then held serve on each of its opportunities down the stretch to close out the win.
At No. 3 doubles, senior
Morgan Yang and sophomore
Nicole Haigwood continued their outstanding season together with a clutch effort. The duo also broke Duquesne early on, but the Dukes broke back to force a tiebreak. The combination of Yang's power and Haigwood's exceptional volleying proved too much for the Dukes, as Mason took seven of the 11 points in the tiebreak.
"We came out strong today in our doubles matches," head coach Steven Curtis said. "We knew taking the doubles point was crucial. I was very proud of our team today. It was an emotional match, especially for Morgan, Scarlett and Liv, our three seniors. They have been tremendous leaders for our program and we will miss them a great deal."
In singles, Duquesne won the first three matches to build a 3-1 lead. Haigwood put up a strong fight at No. 6 but ultimately fell in two sets as the Dukes clinched the win.
When play was halted, both Walston and freshman
Rachel Lee held leads in their matches. Walston won the first set, 6-1, at No. 3 and was tied 4-4 in the second set. Lee also won the first set 6-1 and led 4-3 in the second set.
The Patriots end the 2017 season with a 15-9 record, made possible in many ways by the outstanding contributions of the program's senior class.
