Three Georgia Gwinnett College women's tennis players scored straight-set victories in Thursday afternoon's Round of 32 singles matches that opened action in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's South Regional at the GGC Tennis Facility.

Two of the three players made their GGC debuts in the first competition of the fall season.

DRAWS: SINGLES | DOUBLES

Senior Justine Lespes, the tournament's top seed, won all 12 games against Tennessee Wesleyan University's Julieta Beltramino. That advanced her to the Round of 16, taking place Friday, September 20, at 10 a.m.

Second-seeded senior Isid Hernandez came back strong to win the last three games of the opening set for an early 6-4 lead against SCAD Atlanta's Carmine Becoude. She then completed the straight-set triumph in her GGC debut with a 6-3 victory in the second set.

Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Alexandra Melnikova also won her debut, with the junior earning a commanding 6-0, 6-0 triumph against SCAD Atlanta's Carolina Buchanan.

Doubles play is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 20, at 8 a.m. with the top-seeded Hernandez-Lespes team facing an opponent from Tennessee Wesleyan in a Round of 16 matchup.
 
Coach's Corner
"I'm proud of the strong play by our new players. They represented GGC exceptionally well in their first tournament of this fall, and their level of play will only get better. Justine has embraced the pressure of being the defending (ITA) NAIA singles champion and being ranked No. 1 in this tournament field. Pressure is a privilege and that's what brings out the best in GGC tennis," said Head Coach Hannah Keeling.
 
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College players are scheduled to continue play in the ITA South Regional on Friday, September 20, with singles and doubles matches starting at 8 a.m. at the GGC Tennis Facility.