Box Score FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University rallied from a 4-3 deficit to defeat No. 16 Flagler College 5-4 in a Peach Belt Conference women's tennis match that started Sunday (April 19) afternoon and concluded this morning (April 20) at the Kassab Courts. Rain forced the delay yesterday after doubles had been concluded and most of the singles were underway.

Francis Marion wrapped up its regular season with an 11-8 overall record and went 6-7 in the Peach Belt. The Patriots will have to await the outcome of the Clayton State-Columbus State match this afternoon. Should Clayton State lose, Francis Marion would become the No. 8 seed in the conference tournament field. Flagler falls to 11-9 overall and 8-4 in conference play. Flagler and Georgia Regents University Augusta are currently tied for fourth place and both are playing matches this afternoon.

After starting the morning down 2-1 after doubles play yesterday, the Saints won the first two singles matches to take a 3-2 lead. Kelly Stewart edged Nora Westbye 3-6, 6-3 and 6-2 to tie the match at 2-all and then Barbora Sebkova took care of Julie Graf 3-6, 6-2 and 6-3 at No. 2 singles to give Flagler the lead. Samantha Koelliker, ranked No. 42, won a match-up of ranked players as she defeated No. 45 Esther Santiago 6-3, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3) to knot the match up at 3-all. Mary Jo Nanti put the Saints back in front 4-3 with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 win over Mona Piller. Thaisa Pereira took the first set against Sofia Henning, 6-3, both Henning bounced back to win 6-4 and 6-1. The match came down to No. 6 singles between Hanna Goettsching and Christina Graf. Graf won in straight sets 6-3 and 7-6 (4).

Flagler is taking on USC Aiken in a match that started around 3:30 p.m. The Saints have already clinched a conference tournament berth, but seeding for the tournament will depend on the result of the match. USC Aiken is not one of the top eight teams in the conference.  

#30 Francis Marion 5, #16 Flagler 4
Apr 19, 2015 at Florence, S.C. (Kassab Courts)


Singles competition
1. #42 Samantha Koelliker (FMU_W) def. #45 Esther Santiago (FLG) 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-3)
2. Barbora Sebkova (FLG) def. Julia Graf (FMU_W) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
3. Mary Jo Nanti (FLG) def. Mona Piller (FMU_W) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2
4. Kelly Stewart (FLG) def. Nora Westbye (FMU_W) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
5. Sofia Henning (FMU_W) def. Thaisa Pereira (FLG) 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
6. Christina Graf (FMU_W) def. Hanna Goettsching (FLG) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

Doubles competition
1. Samantha Koelliker/Julia Graf (FMU_W) def. Mary Jo Nanti/Thaisa Pereira (FLG) 8-6
2. Esther Santiago/Barbora Sebkova (FLG) def. Nora Westbye/Mona Piller (FMU_W) 8-6
3. Sofia Henning/Christina Graf (FMU_W) def. Hanna Goettsching/Kelly Stewart (FLG) 9-8 (7-5)

Match Notes
Flagler 11-9, 8-4 PBC; National ranking #16; Regional ranking #4
Francis Marion 11-8, 6-7 PBC; National ranking #30; Regional ranking #7
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (4,2,1,3,5,6)
Official: Von Kennedy-James