ATLANTA.– Georgia State fell to Mercer 4-3 Friday afternoon in just the second home contest of the season. The loss drops the Panthers to 2-9 on the year, while propelling Mercer to 5-3.
Mercer quickly came out to a lead, cruising to victory on court three in doubles. Despite having a competitive match on court two, the Bears clinched the victory with a 6-4 result on court one.
Georgia State could not slow the Bears' momentum going into singles action. Mercer quickly extended their lead with a straight set victory on court four over Alexia Alvarez. Veteran, Eva Chivu, put the Panthers on the board with a 7-6, 6-4 result on court one to put GSU back within striking distance. Three of the remaining four courts took their matches to three-sets. Denisa Gheorghe, playing on line six for the first time this season, was outlasted in her deciding frame. Mercer edged out another tight result over Ellie Aldrich on court three to clinch the team victory.
Despite dropping the team win, rookie Nansi Toskova showed determination on her court to pull out a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 result. Andreea Stanescu held a marathon match on court two, where neither opponent would easily give up a single point. In the end Stanescu bested her opposition to add to the Panthers' point total.
Up next, GSU travels to Statesboro, Ga. Sunday afternoon to face Sun Belt rival Georgia Southern. First serve is set for 2:00 p.m. Follow Georgia State women's tennis on Instagram (@GSUWomensTennis) and Twitter (@GSUWTennis) for the latest news and notes.
