Georgia Gwinnett College sophomores Diana Ilie and MaryLove Edwards capped strong performances in the 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association South Regional women's tournament by reaching the final rounds of the singles and doubles draws on Saturday at the GGC Tennis Facility.

RESULTS

Ilie suffered a 6-4, 6-2 loss to Shalimar Talbi of SCAD Atlanta in the singles championship match and then the Ilie-Edwards team played inspired tennis in advancing to the doubles final before losing 7-5, 6-1 to SCAD Atlanta's team of Adrianna Kluska and Talbi in straight sets.

Ilie and the Ilie-Edwards team are now under consideration to compete for the NAIA singles and doubles titles at the ITA Cup in October.

GGC's doubles tandem combined to stage a highly improbable comeback to capture its semifinal doubles match. After losing the first set 6-0 to Tennessee Wesleyan University's Honoka Tsuji and Ivet Prat, the tournament's fourth seed team, the GGC team's body language was transformed into renewed confidence and energy in the second set.

Playing smarter and more poised tennis, particularly when positioning themselves at the net and hitting impressive volleys, the Ilie-Edwards pairing took the second set 6-0.

Then, a crucial lob clean winner from Ilie at 3-3 in the match tiebreaker was followed by back-to-back brilliant volley winners to help take the tiebreaker by a 10-6 score.

In the singles final, Ilie faced a formidable opponent in Talbi, formerly ranked No. 342 in the World Tennis Association when she was playing professional matches a few years ago. Ilie started the match strong by gaining a break up early in the first set, but Talbi's playing level rose as the match progressed and remained calm when facing challenging situations.
 
Coach's Corner
"I'm very proud about how Diana competed in her singles final and I congratulate her and MaryLove on getting the chance to compete in the nationals as a new team. Diana has grown tremendously and has undeniable talent and a work ethic that's going to take her far. Then, our team played against a great doubles team in the final. They learned lessons that are going to take the team far this season," said Head Coach Hannah Keeling.
 
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College players are scheduled to compete in the ITA Cup on Thursday, October 16, at Rome, Georgia.