Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Western Carolina women's tennis team wrapped up a strong showing at the Southern Conference Playoffs in Saturday at the UTC Tennis Center. Sophomore transfer Mariya Dobreva advanced to the semifinals in the singles draw, while freshman Jenelle Roberts and sophomore transfer Keira Stewart pushed to the same stage in the doubles portion of the event.

Stewart and Roberts combined for the first win of the weekend for the Catamounts on Friday, battling to an 8-6 win over the Mercer pairing of Marina De Diego Quinones and Jelena Gojkovic. The Catamount duo then fell in its semifinals matchup against Furman's Elle Warren and Lillie Murphy, 8-4.  

In singles play, Dobreva continued her recent run of success as the Montreal, Quebec product overcame a first-set loss to defeat Furman's Elle Warren 3-6, 7-5, [10-8] in the opening round. While Dobreva's match was the last to finish in the opening round of play, she was the first to advance to the semifinals with a strong 6-1, 6-2 win over Wofford's Chloe Elliott.

Dobreva later fell in the semifinal round 6-2, 6-3 to Chattanooga's Addison Iacono.  

Additionally, for WCU, rookie Jenelle Roberts claimed a singles win in the first round, posting a 6-3, 6-4 win over Mercer's Jelena Gojkovic.  

With the conclusion of the inaugural SoCon Playoff this fall, the Catamounts turn their attention to their spring semester team championship season, with a full schedule announcement to come in the following weeks.  

WCU's full results:

Opening Round – Singles:

Mariya Dobreva def. Elle Warren (Furman) 3-6, 7-5, [10-8]

Jenelle Roberts def. Jelena Gojkovic (Mercer) 6-3, 6-4

Rufaro Margarira (Chattanooga) def. Keira Stewart 7-5, 6-1

Quarterfinals – Singles:

Mariya Dobreva def. Chloe Elliot (Wofford) 6-1, 6-1

Ksenja Rage (ETSU) def. Jenelle Roberts 6-0, 6-1

Semifinals - Singles:

Addison Iacono (Chattanooga) def. Mariya Dobreva 6-2, 6-3

Quarterfinals – Doubles:

Jenelle Roberts & Keira Stewart def. Marina De Diego Quinones & Jelena Gojkovic (Mercer) 8-6

Ksenja Rage & Alessandra Caceres (ETSU) def. Maryia Dobreva & Mia Miranda 8-6

Semifinals – Doubles:

Lillie Murphy & Elle Warren (Furman) def. Jenelle Roberts & Keira Stewart 8-4