The Georgia Gwinnett College women's tennis team collected its second straight sweep of a top 10-ranked opponent, opening the Grizzly Invitational by defeating SCAD Savannah (Georgia) 5-0 on Friday afternoon at the GGC Tennis Facility.

The Grizzlies (6-1), ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Top 25 poll, won 12 of the 13 games in doubles action against the No. 10 Bees. Senior Justine Lespes combined with freshman MaryLove Edwards to win all six games at No. 3 doubles. Then, the team of senior Isid Hernandez and freshman Elizabet Verizova secured the doubles point with a 6-1 score on the No. 2 court.

The duo of junior Alexandra Melnikova and freshman Diana Ilie rounded out the winners by a 6-4 score at the top of the doubles lineup.

GGC continued its strong play across the singles matches, winning four matches in straight-set decisions. Hernandez won all 12 games on the No. 6 court to quickly extend the hosts' lead. Lespes gave the team a 3-0 advantage following an impressive 6-2, 6-3 victory on the No. 1 court.

Melnikova and Edwards each won their matches on the No. 2 and No. 4 courts, respectively. Melnikova's victory came by a 6-0, 6-4 score while Edwards won 12 of the 13 games in her No. 4 singles match.

GGC picked up a 7-0 victory against No. 4 Xavier University of Louisiana last Friday.
 
Coach's Corner
"This was a very strong performance by our women today. How they came out to play in doubles was exactly what we were looking for from them, having high energy, more aggressiveness at the net, and strong communication. Singles play was dominant from everyone. I'm very happy with our performance," said Head Coach Hannah Keeling.
 
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host No. 18 University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky) on Saturday, February 22, at the GGC Tennis Facility, starting at 10:30 a.m.