The Basics

Score: Western Carolina 4, Chattanooga 3

Records:  Western Carolina 11-6, 1-2 SoCon, Chattanooga 7-7, 0-2 SoCon

Location: Cullowhee, N.C., Catamount Athletic Complex

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina women's tennis picked up its first Southern Conference victory of the season knocking off Chattanooga 4-3 in the Catamounts conference home opener Sunday at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

TURNING POINT:

Junior Jordan Strickland sealed the match for Western Carolina winning an epic three-set match. With WCU clinging to a 3-2 lead, Strickland's victory at No. 1 singles secured the conference win for the Catamounts.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Western Carolina jumped out to an early 1-0 lead getting wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.
• Julia Pezzuco's win at No. 6 singles, 6-0, 6-3, put the Catamounts up 2-0 over the Mocs.
• Chattanooga got a win at No. 4 and No. 3 singles while Catamount rookie Jacy Smith earned a 6-3-6-3 win at No. 2 singles as the Catamounts held onto a 3-2 lead.
• The 3-2 lead by WCU set up the strong play by Strickland to win at No. 1 singles 7-6 (4-0), 4-6, 6-3.

NOTES:

• Western Carolina has won nine of its last 10 matches and six straight.
• Rookie Smith has won nine-straight matches at No. 2 singles and 12 of her last 13. She currently leads the team with a 13-3 singles record and 2-1 in Southern Conference play.
• Junior Jordan Strickland won her 35^th match in singles and remains in second place in the WCU record books. She needs three more wins to take over first place. 

UPCOMING:

Western Carolina returns to action at 1 p.m. March 28 hosting UNCG at the Catamount Athletic Complex.   

For the latest information on Catamount women's tennis, follow @catamounts on Twitter or go to www.catamountsports.com.