Thundering Herd Downs Blue Raiders in Return Home for First C-USA Win

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall's first outdoor home match of the season proved to be a successful outing for the home team, as the Thundering Herd defeated Middle Tennessee Friday afternoon, 4-3, for its first Conference USA win of the season.

"It was an exciting win and a great college tennis match," head coach John Mercer said.

After coming close in each of its last two matches, the Herd captured the always-important doubles point against the Blue Raiders in comeback fashion. After Victoria Walter and Matilde Mulatero were defeated at the No. 3 spot, 6-1, Madi Ballow and Liz Stefancic defeated Kim Kermet and Luisa Zirilli at the No. 2 spot, 6-2, to even the doubles session. Anna Smith and Daniela Dankanych clinched the point for Marshall with a 6-3 win at the top spot over Zani Barnard and Costanza Magazzini.

The Thundering Herd quickly extended its lead to 2-0 after Ballow dispatched of Zirilli in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2. Middle Tennessee made a comeback to tie the match after Barnard defeated Walter, 7-6, 6-3, and Magazzini defeated Dankanych, 6-0, 7-5.

The Blue Raiders appeared to have the momentum trending in their direction but Anna Smith erased that with a 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 comeback win over Lidia Burrows at the top spot, which allowed the Herd to regain its lead. Stefancic clinched the win for the Thundering Herd with a 6-4, 7-6 win over Kermet.

"It came down to a couple of points and it was great seeing Liz out there battling at the end, especially as a freshman working hard to fight off maybe six or seven set points," Mercer said. "Seeing them all battling out there in tough conditions and really working hard was great."

Middle Tennessee got a point back in the last match as Mulatero was defeated by Marta Peris Herero in three sets.

"I think we are making good progress and getting better everyday," Mercer said. "So that's what we are trying to do."

RESULTS
Singles
1. Anna Smith (MAR) def. Lidia Burrows (MT) 1-6, 6-1, 6-3
2. Costanza Magazzini (MT) def. Daniela Dankanych (MAR) 6-0, 7-5
3. Zani Barnard (MT) def. Victoria Walter (MAR) 7-6, 6-3
4. Liz Stefancic (MAR) def. Kim Kermet (MT) 6-4, 7-6
5. Madi Ballow (MAR) def. Luisa Zirilli (MT) 6-1, 6-2
6. Marta Peris Herrero (MT) def. Matilde Mulatero (MAR) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
Order of finish: 5,2,3,1,4,6
Doubles
1. Anna Smith/Daniela Dankanych (MAR) def. Costanza Magazzini/Zani Barnard (MT) 6-3
2. Madi Ballow/Liz Stefancic (MAR) def. Luisa Zirilli/Kim Kermet (MT) 6-2
3. Marta Peris Herrero/Lidia Burrows (MT) def. Victoria Walter/Matilde Mulatero (MAR) 6-1
Order of finish: 3,2,1

UP NEXT
The Herd remains at home for another Conference USA match Saturday against UAB. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Huntington Tennis Club.

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Thundering Herd Downs Blue Raiders in Return Home for First C-USA Win

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Team Stats

Players Mentioned

Madi Ballow

Daniela Dankanych

Matilde Mulatero

Anna Smith

Liz Stefancic

Victoria Walter