MACON, Ga. – The Mercer Bears welcomed in-state rival Kennesaw State to town for a mid-day showdown. The Owls came out victorious, taking down the Bears by a score of 4-3. With the loss, the Bears fall to 4-4 on the season. KSU improves to 4-0 on the year.
 
KSU claimed the point in doubles play with the two teams splitting the six singles matches.
 
Naya Tillitt picked up the win at No. 2 singles by a score of 6-4, 6-1 over Taylor Dean of KSU.
 
Lekha Varudandi took down Sofia Pinedo 6-2, 6-3 at No. 5 singles.
 
Kristin Yordanova earned the victory over Sophia Unger 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in No. 6 singles.
 
The Bears will look to bounce back against Georgia College on Wednesday, Feb. 16, for an 11 a.m. matchup at John Drew Smith Tennis Center.
 
Kennesaw State 4, Mercer 3
 
Singles competition
1. Kat Muzik (KSUW) def. Mary Courville (MERW) 6-1, 6-1
2. Naya Tillitt (MERW) def. Taylor Dean (KSUW) 6-4, 6-1
3. Ji Youn Lee (KSUW) def. Lauren Rich (MERW) 6-4, 7-5
4. Valentina Taddia (KSUW) def. Francesca Franchi (MERW) 6-2, 7-6
5. Lekha Varudandi (MERW) def. Sofia Pinedo (KSUW) 6-2, 6-3
6. Kristin Yordanova (MERW) def. Sophia Unger (KSUW) 6-2, 5-7, 6-4
 
Doubles competition
1. Taylor Dean/Kat Muzik (KSUW) def. Mary Courville/Naya Tillitt (MERW) 6-4
2. Ji Youn Lee/Valentina Taddia (KSUW) def. Lekha Varudandi/Kristin Yordanova (MERW) 6-2
3. Sophia Unger/Amulika Gottiparthy (KSUW) vs. Lauren Rich/Francesca Franchi (MERW) no result