By Brandon Burke, UT Martin Sports Information
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Just two days after drawing a UNC Asheville squad who claimed their 10th win in the last 12 tries, the University of Tennessee at Martin tennis team faced arguably an even tougher mountain on Tuesday afternoon in the Palmetto State, falling to College of Charleston by a 6-1 margin for the Cougars’ 10th consecutive victory.
The tandems of Aziza Aubin/Amelia Campbell and Jillian Niedzialowski/Lia Espinal both battled hard against a Cougar unit that has earned 33 doubles wins on the season, each falling by 6-3 deficits. In a similar manner to Sunday’s match with UNCA, the Skyhawks’ biggest spark in singles play came from Aubin, who seized her sixth consecutive W and seventh overall in 2022.
Responsible for UTM’s lone point in one-on-one competition, Aubin narrowly edged Clara Errard in a thrilling three-set bout that saw back-to-back 7-5 decision from either side in the first two rallies. A 10-6 triumph in the third set from the junior propelled the Skyhawks to their 35th singles win of the season and only the third loss in 19 games for Errard.
True freshman Lia Espinal came close to giving UT Martin their second singles point against Kate Earnhardt, although a 7-6 opening-set win from the home side prevented that result along with a 6-4 decision in the second rally.
Tuesday’s meeting marked the 12th and last contest outside of Ohio Valley Conference territory for the Skyhawks, who prepare for their third and fourth road trips in a row this weekend against both SIUE and Eastern Illinois.
UTM will aim for a dose of revenge against SIUE on Friday following a 6-1 setback to the Cougars a season ago, headed to Edwardsville for the 2022 OVC opener before facing EIU the next day in Charleston. Last spring, the Skyhawks were able to down the Panthers on the road for the first time since 2014.
First serve against SIUE in the conference curtain-jerker is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information