Lynch Wins First Match as Tigers Take Season Opener over Coastal Carolina, 6-1
CLEMSON, S.C. — Christy Lynch notched her first career win as Clemson’s head coach, as the Tigers (1-0, 0-0 ACC) downed Coastal Carolina (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) on Friday evening, 6-1. Additionally, four Clemson freshmen claimed their first career victories in the winning effort.
Coastal Carolina took an early 1-0 lead after earning the doubles point, winning 6-3 at No. 1 and 6-4 at No. 3. However, Clemson proceeded to overcome its early deficit by reeling off four-straight singles victories. On Court 1, Eleni Louka was the first to defeat her opponent in singles action (6-0, 6-2) and Sophia Hatton followed closely behind at line three (6-1, 6-2). Then, Jenna Thompson won her match at No. 2 by a score of 6-3, 6-3 and Lana Sipek clinched the Clemson victory with a 6-3, 6-4 win on Court 6.
The teams played out the final two matches, with Cristina Mayorova notching a victory at No. 4 in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 and Makayla Mills taking the final match of the evening at line five, 7-5, 6-5 after overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the second set.
“It feels really good. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to compete and for this to be our first win here, I couldn’t be more excited,” said Lynch. “Our girls were nervous when they came out and Coastal Carolina really came out firing and they played a great doubles point but I was really proud of how our team responded in singles. I thought they battled hard and I think we got better today. I’m looking forward to another tough match on Sunday.”
OF NOTE
- Eleni Louka earned her sixth-consecutive match win, dating back to last season
- Clemson advances to 2-0 in its all-time series with Coastal Carolina
- Freshmen Jenna Thompson, Sophia Hatton, Cristina Mayorova and Makayla Mills each earned their first collegiate singles wins
- Christy Lynch earns her first head coaching victory as well as her first win as the Tigers’ head coach
UP NEXT
The Tigers are set to host College of Charleston on Sunday at 1 p.m. at The Duckworth Family Tennis Facility.
