SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C.  — Alexandra Abele came back from trailing 3-1 in the third set of her match to win and clinched the match point in helping Davidson secure a 4-3 victory at home vs. Brown Tuesday afternoon at the Davidson Tennis Courts.

Davidson ran its record to 9-7 on the season and scored its first win in the series vs. Brown (8-8), as both teams were playing each other for the first since 2011 and third time overall. The ‘Cats also ran their home record to 6-1.

“We fought hard and took great steps forward today in singles, working on our processes and staying focused with them more consistently,” said second-year head coach Susanne Depka, who collected her 25th win. “We will learn from today and hope to improve a little bit more going into this weekend! I was very happy with our mentality today!!”

Have split her first two sets, 6-2 and 1-6, Abele found herself down 3-1 in the third set when the team match was tied at 3-all. The junior fought back and won the next five consecutive games to secure the win and clinch the match. She moved to 11-5 on the season with the victory, which was her third straight.

Davidson took wins of 6-4 and 6-3 at No. 1 and 2 doubles, respectively, to open the match. The pair of Megan Scholvinck and Elizabeth Truluck won their second straight and ninth on the season, while Abele and Samantha Armas improved to a team-best 10-5 with the win at No. 2.

“The team did a great job stepping it up in doubles and playing more free and aggressive,” said Depka. “They came out strong from the first point.”

Scoring the other two singles wins were Gabrielle Centenari and Alyssa Hahn at No. 3 and 6 positions. Centenari won a three-setter by the scores of 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 for her seventh victory of the year.

Hahn moved to 2-3 on the year with a solid 7-5, 7-5 decision at No. 6.

Davidson next travels to East Carolina this Saturday for a 10 a.m. match and then wraps up the weekend with a 1 p.m. Sunday match vs. Richmond at home.