No. 9 Clayton State drops tough 6-3 decision at Augusta State

AUGUSTA, Ga. – March 16, 2012 – Shooting to remain undefeated in Peach Belt Conference play, the Clayton State Laker women's tennis team dropped a tough 6-3 decision against rival Augusta State on Friday at the Newman Tennis Center.

The defeat drops Clayton State, ranked ninth in Division II, to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Peach Belt. Augusta State is now 4-7 overall and 3-1 in the Peach Belt.

Clayton State was short-handed with No. 1 seed Ivana Krommelova out with a minor injury. With that, Augusta State swept the doubles, winning three thrilling matches. The two teams then split the six singles matches.

Picking up singles victories for Clayton State was Marie Cercelletti (No. 1), Hannah Keeling (No. 2) and Alyze' Pagal (No. 6). Cercelletti won a thrilling 3-6, 6-2, 10-7 victory over Augusta State's Marina Ferreria, while Keeling out-lasted the Lady Jaguars' Victoria Lindqvist 5-7, 6-4, 10-5. Pagal won her match in the second set when Augusta State's Julie Fontaine retired due to injury.

Clayton State plays its second of three straight matches on Saturday, playing host to Brenau at Laker Courts.

AUGUSTA STATE 6, CLAYTON STATE 3

Singles:
1. Marie Cercelletti (CLS) d. Marina Ferreria 3-6, 6-2, 10-7
2. Hannah Keeling (CLS) d. Victoria Lindqvist 5-7, 6-4, 10-5
3. Liv Pettersson (ASU) d. Martina Dedaj 7-5, 6-3
4. Roberta Oliveria (ASU) d. Jessica Budd 6-4, 6-2
5. Lissa Murakami (ASU) d. Charlotte Fabricius 6-2, 6-3
6. Alyze' Pagal (CLS0 d. Julie Fontaine 6-2, retired

Doubles:
1. Pettersson/Lindqvist (ASU) d. Cercelletti/Budd 8-5
2. Oliveria/Fontaine (ASU) d. Keeling/Dedaj 9-8 (7-5)
3. Ferreria/Murakami (ASU) d. Fabricus/Pagal 8-6