Boca Raton, FL – The Toledo women's tennis team came from behind to defeat Florida Atlantic, 4-3, in its final spring break match. With the victory, the Rockets improve to 7-5 on the season, while the Owls fall to 5-7 overall.
 
"This was one of the most impressive matches that I've been a part of," said head coach Tracy Mauntler. "We found ourselves behind on so many occasions but never stopped fighting."
 
FAU jumped on the board first by claiming the doubles point. The Owls recorded a 6-4 victory at No. 2 doubles, but senior Sidnay Huck and freshman Deedee Leenabanchong tied it up by winning No. 1 doubles, 6-4. Sophomores Claire Aleck and Rani Goodland battled at the No. 3 spot but eventually fell, 7-6, handing the doubles point to Florida Atlantic.
 
The Owls jumped into a 2-0 lead with the help of a win at No. 2 singles, but Leenabanchong put UT within one point with a 6-4, 6-3 victory at the No. 4 spot.
 
FAU extended its lead once more with a three-set victory at fifth singles. Huck answered back with a three-set win of her own at the top of the lineup to close the gap (5-7, 6-4, 6-4). Freshman Mimi Kendall-Woseley evened the score at 3-3 with a three-set battle at third singles, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2).
 
It came down to Aleck and FAU's Naiya Oden at No. 6 singles. Aleck dropped the opening set, 6-1, but posted a 6-2 win in Set 2. The sophomore Rocket found herself behind, 4-2, in the third-set tiebreaker but fought to a 7-5 victory to win the match and clinch the 4-3 victory for the Midnight Blue & Gold.
 
"After losing that close doubles point, our team really bounced back with even more fire. I was so proud of the effort and resilience we displaced throughout this adversity. To come down here and beat two very good teams who play outside year round is really impressive," added Mauntler.
 
 
Singles competition
1. Sidnay Huck (UT) def. Laura Fabrizi (FAU) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
2. Lyndsey Boos (FAU) def. Colleen O'Brien (UT) 6-1, 6-1
3. Mimi Kendall-Woseley (UT) def. Ana Gutierrez (FAU) 7-5, 3-6, 6-2
4. Deedee Leenabanchong (UT) def. Marisa Ruiz (FAU) 6-4, 6-3
5. Alisa Rudenko (FAU) def. Megan Miller (UT) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
6. Claire Aleck (UT) def. Naiya Oden (FAU) 1-6, 6-2, 7-6
 
Doubles competition
1. Sidnay Huck/Deedee Leenabanchong (UT) def. Laura Fabrizi/Ana Gutierrez (FAU) 6-4
2. Alisa Rudenko/Heather Walton (FAU) def. Megan Miller/Mimi Kendall-Woseley (UT) 6-4
3. Lyndsey Boos/Marisa Ruiz (FAU) def. Claire Aleck/Rani Goodland (UT) 7-6