Elon Women’s Tennis Tops NCCU, 6-1, in Home Finale

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s tennis team closed out its 2012 home schedule in impressive fashion on Satutday, April 6, as the Phoenix recorded a 6-1 victory over instate rival North Carolina Central at The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.

Today was the final home contest for senior Kaylyn Smialek, who won both of her matches this afternoon. Along with teammate Katy Canada, Smialek helped the maroon and gold capture the doubles point with an 8-0 decision over NCCU’s Lakisha McDougald and Julia Aguilar. At No. 6 singles, Smialek defeated McDougald in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

“Today was a very special day for Kaylyn Smialek,” said Elon head coach Elizabeth Anderson. “We appreciate all she has done for our team and university. It was also great having her parents here from London to join in the senior day celebration.”

Canada helped the Phoenix out to a 3-0 edge in singles after quickly dispatching Aguilar, 6-0, 6-0, at No. 5 singles.

Briana Berne was victorious for Elon at No. 4 and helped the Phoenix to a 4-0 lead after claiming a 6-2, 6-1 win over North Carolina Central’s Rebecca Wood.

Viviana Stavreva improved to 14-6 on the year today with a 6-3, 6-1 victory at No. 3 over Ekaterina Nekrasova.

Jordan Johnston rebounded for a three-set win over NCCU’s Olesya Palko at No. 1 singles. After dropping the first set, 6-2, Johnston stormed back for an impressive 6-0 win in the second set. In the third, Johnston battled for a 10-5 win for the Phoenix, improving to 13-6 this season.

Elon closes out the regular season on April 10 at Southern Conference rival UNCG.