The Yellow Jacket women’s tennis team earned their first win of the Spring season 4-3 over a loud and raucous Salem International on Sunday, thanks to Student Athlete of the Week Chante Malo’s thrilling third set win.
The Yellow Jackets fell behind early after losing the opening doubles point. #1 doubles duo of Laura Isbey and Kierstin Hensley posted a 6-1 win, that ultimately did not count to the final score.
Reigning two-time Mountain East Player of the Year Laura Isbey gutted her way to a thrilling three set win at #1 singles 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 despite the best efforts of the Salem fans to hinder her.
Kierstin Hensley cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 win at #2 singles, while Nika Tadic had an easy night at #6 singles, winning 6-0, 6-0.
#3 singles Hannah Kruglova and #4 singles Kayla McKnight both dropped their matches in straight sets to leave it all on freshman Chante Malo.
After trailing 5-2 in her opening set Malo, of Stockton on Tees, England, rallied to win that set 7-5, before dropping the second set 6-2.
Malo then recovered to win the third and deciding set 6-4 at #5 singles, and clinch the win for State.
“At first I was really nervous, but once I got into the match I became much more focused,” Malo said.
“The girls were great cheering me on as I was getting tired but they helped me get through it. When I won I was so relieved and so excited that I clinched the win. I was really proud of my game and glad I could contribute to the team win.”
