The Basics
Score: Western Carolina 4, North Dakota 3
Records:  Western Carolina 7-5, North Dakota 4-7
Location: Cullowhee, N.C., Catamount Tennis Complex
 
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Freshman Antonella Benavides’ 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 win at No. 5 singles clinched the match as Western Carolina women’s tennis defeated North Dakota 4-3 Monday at the Catamount Tennis Complex. 
 
TURNING POINT:
North Dakota took the early lead winning the doubles point. Western Carolina bounced back by winning singles matches at No. 2, No. 1, and No. 3 singles and clinched it at No. 5 singles. 
 
 INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• The Catamounts avoided the sweep in doubles with a win at No. 2 doubles as Kata Foldeak and Anna Uljanov won 6-1.
• Western Carolina got straight-set wins at No. 2, No. 1, and No. 3 singles as Ujanov (6-2, 6-3), Foldeak (6-2, 6-3), and Jacy Smith (6-3, 6-2) all made quick work of their opponents. 
• Leading 3-1, things got interesting when the final three singles matches all went to three sets. 
• Benavides sealed the win for the Catamounts bouncing back from a first set loss, 2-6, to win the ensuing sets 6-4, 7-5. 

 
NOTES:

• Western Carolina has won four of its last six matches and 5-1 at home this season. 
• Smith moved into a tie for 11th place in the WCU record books with her 24th career win in singles play. 
• Benavides has won five of her last six singles matches. 

 
UPCOMING:
Western Carolina hosts South Carolina State at 2 p.m. Saturday.