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Clayton State’s Julia Gandia selected as
nation’s named ITA ‘Rookie of the Year’

Morrow, GA — May 11, 2005 --- Clayton College & State University’s freshman tennis player Julia Gandia splashed onto the NCAA Division II scene this spring, defeating a number of the nation’s top-ranked players and her accomplishments did not go unnoticed by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. 

Gandia was named Wednesday the NCAA Division II’s “Rookie of the Year” by the ITA. She becomes the second Clayton State women’s tennis player to receive a national ITA award, as former three-time All-America Jackeline Nieto received the 2002 ITA “Player to Watch Award.” 

A 5-7 freshman from Almansa, Spain, Gandia finished the season ranked sixth in the nation in the ITA singles poll, the highest ranking of any player in Clayton State history. She will more than likely receive All-America honors, as the top-20 singles players in NCAA Division II receive the honor later this year. Earlier this season, she was named the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, as well as, a member of the All-Conference team. 

She finished the season with a 16-2 record in singles and had several impressive wins, including a win over Columbus State University’s Diana Gherghi, the nation's third-ranked singles player, and also a win over the nation's eighth-ranked player in Nicole Pilkat from the University of West Florida. Gandia’s only losses on the season came when she was forced to retire in a match against a player from NCAA Division I St. Louis University due to an ankle sprain and to Armstrong Atlantic State’s Luisa Cowper, the nation’s fourth-ranked player. 

In addition to her superb play in singles, Gandia also teamed with Julia Chergova to compile a 14-4 record in doubles. The duo finished the season ranked third in the nation in doubles and also has a good shot at All-America honors.

As a team, Clayton State finished the season with a 12-10 record, ranked 31^st in the country. The Laker season came to an end in the NCAA Division II Mid-Atlantic Regionals, the fourth time in the last five years, the program has competed in the NCAA National Tennis Championships. 

The 2005 ITA national award winners for NCAA Division II tennis are as follows

Women
ITA National Senior Player of the Year - Adrienn Hegedus, BYU-Hawaii
ITA National Rookie of the Year - Julia Gandia, Clayton (Ga.) College & State 
ITA National Player to Watch - Dziyana Nazaruk, Armstrong Atlantic (Ga.) State
ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership & Sportsmanship - Jessica Broadus, Indianapolis
Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year - to be announced on a later date

Clayton State’s season ends at Mid-Atlantic 
Regional with loss to North Florida 

Columbus, GA --- May 6, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s tennis season came to an end on Friday, as the Lakers fell 5-1 to University of North Florida at the NCAA Division II Mid-Atlantic Regional in Columbus, GA.  

Clayton State’s season ends with a 12-10 record on the season. The team’s appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championships was the program’s fourth in the last five years.  

Clayton State's Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova defeated Julie Stoppelli and Liliana Hung at the number one spot to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead, but the Ospreys prevailed at numbers two and three to take a 2-1 lead into doubles.  

The second-seeded North Florida team of Zhenya Barysheva and Melanie Eng won 8-1 over Daniela Petkova and Lila Tzvetnova, while the third-seeded team of Katja Brandt and Vanessa Sanchez won 8-3 over Elena Bondari and Katrin Gutknecht.  

In singles, the Ospreys secured the match with wins at the third seed, the fifth seed and the sixth seed to close out the match.   

UNF’s Brandt defeated Bondari 6-3 and 6-3 at the No. 3 seed, while Stoppelli won 6-1 and 6-3 over Petkova at the fifth seed. North Florida’s Robin Rogers defeated Maria Mancha 6-0 and 6-0 at the sixth seed.  

Match Results
Doubles:
1. Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Stoppelli/Hung 8-1
2. Barysheva/Eng (UNF) def. Petkova/Lilia Tzvetanova 8-1
3. Brandt/Sanchez (UNF) def. Bondari/Gutknecht 8-3

 Singles:
1. Zhenya Barysheva (UNF) vs. Julia Gandia DNF
2. Liliana Hung (UNF) vs. Julia Chergova DNF
3. Katja Brandt (UNF) def. Elena Bondari 6-3, 6-3
4. Vanessa Sanchez (UNF) vs. Katrin Gutknecht DNF
5. Julie Stoppelli (UNF) def. Daniela Petkova 6-1, 6-3
6. Robin Rogers (UNF) def. Maria Mancha 6-0, 6-0

#28^th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis headed to NCAA regionals next week 

Morrow, GA --- April 29, 2005 --- For the fourth time in five years, the Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team is headed to the NCAA National Tennis Championships. 

The Lakers were one of eight schools selected for the 2005 Mid-Atlantic Tennis Regionals on Thursday. In addition to Clayton State, Peach Belt Conference teams Armstrong Atlantic State, Columbus State, North Florida, USC Upstate and GC&SU along with the Carolinas/Virginia Athletic Conference champion Erskine and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Fayetteville State were selected for the tournament.  

Clayton State, the sixth seed, will face third-seeded North Florida on Friday, May 6^th at Columbus State. If the Lakers win, they will face the winner of second-seeded Columbus State and Erskine with a trip to the round of 16 of the NCAA Division II national championships at stake. 

The Lakes will enter the tournament with a 12-9 record on the season. Clayton State has been led this season by the freshmen duo of top-seeded singles players Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova. Gandia is currently ranked sixth in the nation and Chergova 47^th in the country. Gandia and Chergova are ranked third in doubles. 

Clayton State played last year in the NCAA regionals to GC&SU, falling to the Bobcats. The program’s top finish at the national tournament came in 2002 when the squad advanced to the “Sweet Sixteen” of the national championships. 

##CCSU##

Clayton State’s Gandia and Chergova 
receive Peach Belt women’s tennis awards

 Morrow, GA — March 16, 2005 --- Clayton College & State University’s “one-two” tennis punch of Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova were recognized last week among the top tennis players for 2005 in the Peach Belt Conference. 

Gandia, a 5-7 freshman from Almansa, Spain, became the first Laker tennis player to receive Peach Belt Freshman of the Year honors and the fourth to receive All-Conference recognition. She currently has a 15-2 record in singles, falling only to Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Lusia Cowper, the nation’s fourth-ranked player, and in a match when she had to retire due to an ankle injury. 

Ranked sixth nationally in singles, Gandia has a good shot of becoming Clayton’s State second All-America tennis player in singles. The nation’s top 15 players in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings receive All-America honors. Former Laker standout Jackeline Nieto was a three-time All-America in singles from 2002-04. 

Gandia has several impressive wins on the season, including a win over Columbus State University’s Diana Gherghi, the nation's third-ranked singles player, and also a win over the nation's eighth-ranked player in Nicole Pilkat from the University of West Florida. 

In addition to receiving All-Conference honors in singles, Clayton State’s No. 1 doubles team of Gandia and Chergova were also named to the All-Peach Belt team. The doubles team has a 13-4 record on the season and is currently ranked third in the nation in doubles. 

The duo has several big wins on the season, including victories over AASU’s Cowper and Peaty, the nation’s fourth-ranked team; North Florida’s Lilia Hung and Julie Stoppelli, the nation’s 15^th-ranked team; and a victory over the 18^th ranked team of GCSU’s Anya Shchupak and Celine Martin. 

The doubles team also has a good shot at receiving All-America honors as the top five doubles teams in the ITA rankings receive the honor. Clayton State’s doubles team of Nieto and Nathalia Collantes received the honor twice from 2003-04. 

As a team, 28^th-ranked Clayton State is 12-9 on the season and is waiting word on whether it will receive a bid to NCAA Division II National Tennis Championships in May from the Mid-Atlantic Regional. The top eight teams from the region advance to the event. Clayton State was ranked eighth in the last regional poll but should jump ahead of at least one team in the poll, as the Lakers have defeated the University of South Carolina Aiken, who is ranked ahead of CCSU, twice since the last poll.

Gandia’s Freshman of the Year honor is the third time this athletic season that a female from Clayton State Athletics has received the Peach Belt Freshman of the Year award. Freshman soccer player Olaitan Yusuf was named PBC Freshman of the Year after leading the nation in scoring and freshman cross country runner Allison Kreutzer was named PBC Freshman of the Year, as well as PBC Runner of the Year, after winning the PBC meet and later finishing second in the country at the NCAA National Championships. 

Clayton State falls 5-1 to GC&SU in match 
fifth place in Peach Belt Tournament 

Spartanburg, SC – April 15, 2005 --- After defeating the University of South Carolina Aiken early on Friday, the Clayton College & State University women’s tennis dropped a match to 14^th-ranked Georgia College & State University Friday afternoon for fifth place in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

With the loss, 28^th-ranked Clayton State drops to 12-9 on the season and will now wait for word on whether they will receive a bid to NCAA Division II National Tennis Championships in May from the Mid-Atlantic Regional. The top eight teams from the region advance to the event. Clayton State was ranked eighth in the last regional poll but should jump ahead of at least one team in the poll, as the Lakers have defeated USC Aiken, who is ranked ahead of CCSU, twice in the last week.

In Friday’s matches versus GC&SU, the Lakers were only able to muster up one point with the CCSU top-seeded doubles team of Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova winning 8-6. Clayton State’s second seeded doubles team of Daniela Petkova and Lila Tzvetanova lost 8-2, while the third seeded team of Elena Bondari and Katrin Gutknecht also lost 8-2.

In singles, the Bobcats secured the win with victories in singles at the second, third and sixth seed. Chergova lost 6-4 and 6-0 at the second seed, while Bondari fell 6-2 and 6-2 at the third. Maria Mancha lost 6-3 and 6-0 at the sixth seed.

The matches of top-seeded Gandia, fourth seeded Gutknecht and fifth seeded Petkova were not finished after GC&SU had won the match.

Clayton State women’s tennis defeats USC Aiken 5-2;
advances to face GC&SU for fifth place 

Spartanburg, SC –  April 15, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State women’s tennis team advanced to the fifth place match in the 2005 Peach Belt Conference Championships later today with a 5-2 win over the University of South Carolina Aiken in Spartanburg, SC .

With the win, the Lakers improve to 12-8 on the season. Clayton State, the tourney’s sixth seed, will now face GC&SU, the fifth seed of the tournament. After the match for fifth place, Clayton State will await word next week on whether it will receive a bid to the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championships.

Clayton State improved its chances bid to receive a bid to the national tournament with its win over USC Aiken. The top eight teams from Clayton State ‘s Mid-Atlantic Region will receive bids, and the Lakers were ranked eighth in the last poll. Clayton State should move up in the next regional rankings, as the Lakers have defeated USCA, the region’s seventh-ranked squad, twice in the last two weeks.

In Friday morning’s match, Clayton State advanced by winning two of the three singles matches and three quick singles points. In doubles, top-seeded Julia Gandi and Julia Chergova won 8-3, while third-seeded Elena Bondari and Katrin Gutknecht prevailed 9-7.

In singles, Gandia blanked USCA’s top seed 6-0 and 6-0, while Chergova won 6-0 and 6-2 at the second seed. Fourth-seeded Gutknecht won 6-4 and 6-2.

Match Results
Singles
#1  Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Dominique Cassetori (USCA); 6-0, 6-0
#2  Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Nicole Copp (USCA); 6-0, 6-2
#3  Elena Bondari (CCSU) vs. Mayra Kaefer (USCA); DNF
#4  Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Kerry Donovan (USCA); 6-4, 6-2
#5  Daniela Petkova (CCSU) vs. Otavia Bastos (USCA); DNF
#6  Maria Mancha (CCSU) vs. Elise Toth (USCA); DNF
Doubles
#1  Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) vs. Kaefer/Donovan (USCA); 8-3
#2  Cassetori/Toth (USCA) def. Petkova/Lilia Tzvetanova (USCA); 8-1
#3  Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU) vs. Copp/Bastos (USCA); 9-7 

Clayton St. opens Peach Belt Tourney with 5-0 win over Augusta St.; falls to N. Florida 5-0 in second round 

Spartanburg, SC --- April 14, 2005 --- After opening the 2005 Peach Belt Conference Tennis Tournament with a 5-0 win on Thursday, the Clayton College & State University women’s team fell 5-0 later in the day to the University of North Florida at the tournament hosted by the University of South Carolina Upstate.  

The loss drops 28^th-ranked Clayton State, the sixth seed in the tournament, to 11-8 on the season and to the loser’s bracket of the tournament. Ninth-ranked North Florida, the tourney’s third seed, improves to 16-5 on the season.  

Clayton State will face the loser of Columbus State University and the University of South Carolina Aiken on Friday in the tournament.  

In Thursday’s match against North Florida, the Lakers fell behind early, dropping all three doubles matches. Top-seeded Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova lost 8-5, while second-seeded Daniela Petkova and Lila Tzvetanova lost 8-0. The third-seeded team of Elena Bondari and Katrin Gutknecht fell 8-2.  

In singles, the Ospreys secured the win with victories at the bottom two seeds. Maria Mancha lost for the Lakers 6-1 and 6-0 at the six seed, while Petkova fell 6-1 and 6-3 at the fifth seed. The remainder of the matches were not finished since UNF had secured the win.  

Match Results
Singles
#1  Yevgeniya Barysheva (UNF) vs. Julia Gandia (CCSU); DNF
#2  Liliana Hung (UNF) vs. Julia Chergova (CCSU); DNF
#3  Katja Brandt (UNF) vs. Elena Bondari (CCSU); DNF
#4  Vanessa Sanchez (UNF) vs. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU); DNF
#5  Julie Stoppelli (UNF) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU); 6-1, 6-3
#6  Robin Rogers (UNF) def. Maria Mancha (CCSU); 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
#1  Hung/Stoppelli (UNF) def. Gandia/Chergova (CCSU); 8-5
#2  Eng/Barysheva (UNF) def. Petkova/Lilia Tzvetanova (CCSU); 8-0
#3  Brandt/Sanchez (UNF) def. Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU); 8-2 

Clayton State vs. Augusta State 

Clayton State opened the Peach Belt Conference Championships Thursday morning with a 5-0 victory over Augusta State. 

Clayton State opened with three straight doubles wins.  The top seeded team of Gandia and Chergova won 8-2, followed by Petkova and Tzvetanova winning 8-3 at the second seed. The third-seeded team of Bondari and Gutknecht cruised to an 8-1 victory.  

After Augusta forfeited at the No. 6 seed, Clayton State claimed the victory, as Gandia cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 1 singles to give the Lakers the five points it needed for the match win.

Clayton State 5, Augusta State 0                                                                                                                                                      
Match Results
Singles
#1  Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Sarah Jegat (ASU); 6-1, 6-0
#2  Julia Chergova (CCSU) vs. Norma Rovira (ASU)
#3  Elena Bondari (CCSU) vs. Maria Zevallos (ASU)
#4  Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) vs. Ashley Abrams (ASU)
#5  Daniela Petkova (CCSU) vs. Jeaneen Brester (ASU)
#6  Maria Mancha (CCSU) def. Anna Wilander (ASU); by default
Doubles
#1  Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Jegat/Rovira (ASU); 8-2
#2  Petkova/Lilia Tzvetanova (CCSU) def. Abrams/Brester (ASU); 8-3
#3  Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Wilander/Zevallos (ASU); 8-1 

Bondari prevails in third set to lift #28 Clayton State to 5-4 victory over #25 USC Aiken   

Morrow, GA --- April 10, 2005 --- Freshman Elena Bondari battled from a set down on Sunday to win her match at No. 3 singles, lifting the 28^th-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team to a 5-4 victory over 25^th-ranked and Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of Carolina Aiken.  

After falling 6-1 in the first set, Bondari won the second set 7-5, followed by taking the third 6-4 to defeat USCA’s Mayra Kaefer. The win improves Clayton State to 10-7 on the season and evens its record to 5-5 in the Peach Belt. USCA drops to 14-8 on the year and 4-5 in the PBC. The match closed the regular season for Clayton State, and the squad will enter next week’s PBC Tournament as the sixth seed. 

USCA took a 2-1 early lead in the match, edging the Lakers at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. The Pacers’ Dominique Cassetori and Elly Toth won 8-6 over sophomore Daniela Petkova and freshman Lila Tzvetanova at the second seed. USCA’s Otavia Bastos and Nicole Copp also prevailed 8-6 over Bondari and sophomore Katrin Gutknecht at the third seed.  

Clayton State freshman Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova picked up the lone Laker point in doubles at the No. 1 seed, blanking the Pacers’ Kerry Donovan and Mayra Kaefer 8-0.  

In singles, Gandia, Chergova and Gutknecht picked up wins. Gandia won in easy fashion, blanking Cassetori 6-0 and 6-0. At No. 2 singles, Chergova won 6-4 and 6-0 over Copp, while Gutknecht cruised 6-1 and 6-1 at the fourth seed over Donovan.  

The only losses in singles for the Lakers came in a three-set affair at the fifth seed and at the sixth seed. After losing the first set 6-4 and trailing in the second 5-1, USCA’s Bastos rallied to beat Clayton State’s Petkova 4-6, 7-5 and 6-0. Maria Mancha lost 6-1 and 6-0 to Toth at the sixth seed.  

Clayton State 5, USC Aiken 4
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Dominique Cassetori (USCA); 6-0, 6-0
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Nicole Copp (USCA); 6-4, 6-0
#3 Elena Bondari  (CCSU) def. Mayra Kaefer (USCA); 1-6; 7-6(5); 6-4;                                                 
#4 Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Kerry Donovan (USCA); 6-1, 6-1
#5 Otavia Bastos (USCA) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU); 4-6; 7-5, 6-0
#6 Elly Toth (USCA) def. Maria Mancha (CCSU); 6-1, 6-0

Doubles
#1 Gandia/ Chergova (CCSU) def. Kaefer/Donovan (USCA) 8-0
#2 Cassetori /Toth (USCA) def. Petkova / Lila Tzvetanova (CCSU); 8-6
#3 Bastos /Copp (USCA) def. Gutknecht /Bondari (CCSU); 8-6

Clayton State falls 5-1 to GC&SU; 
to face USC Aiken on Sun. 

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – The third time wasn’t the charm for the Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team Friday, as the Lakers dropped a Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis match to Georgia College & State University, falling 5-1 to the Bobcats.  

After being postponed twice this season due to rain, the Lakers and Bobcats had to again dodge raindrops on Friday, but finally got the match in after an hour delay.  

Clayton State, the 28th-ranked squad, drops to 9-7 overall and 4-5 in the conference, while GC&SU, the 14th-ranked team, improves to 11-8 overall and 4-4 in PBC play. The Lakers will return to action on Sunday, hosting PBC foe USC Aiken in its home finale.  

GC&SU jumped out to the early lead after winning two out of three doubles matches. GC&SU’s Chenelle Kruger and Anna Davidsson got things started with an 8-2 victory at No. 2 doubles over Clayton State’s Velina Boteva and Daniela Petkova, but the Lakers evened things up with a win at No. 3 as Elena Bondari and Katrin Gutknecht held off GC&SU’s Sofia Intriago and Jessica McKnight 8-6. The Bobcats re-claimed the lead at No. 1 doubles as Anna Shchupak and Celine Martin rallied from 7-6 down to defeat Julia Chergova and Julia Gandia 9-7. 

In singles play, GC&SU picked up three victories to earn the necessary five points to clinch the match, and the other matches did not finish to allow the Bobcats to get on the road for Saturday’s match in North Carolina. 

McKnight blanked Boteva 6-0; 6-0 at No. 6, and Kruger followed with a 6-2; 6-1 victory over Bondari at No. 3. Intriago ended the match with the clinching fifth point by knocking off Petkova 6-3; 6-1 at No. 5 singles. 

GC&SU- 5, Clayton State- 1 

Singles

1. Anna Shchupak (GC&SU) vs. Julia Gandia (CCSU) - Did not finish
2. Celine Martin (GC&SU) vs. Julia Chergova (CCSU) - Did not finish
3. Chenelle Kruger (GC&SU) defeats Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-2; 6-1
4. Anna Davidsson (GC&SU) vs. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) - Did not finish
5. Sofia Intriago (GC&SU) defeats Daniela Petkova (CCSU) 6-3; 6-1
6. Jessica McKnight (GC&SU) defeats Velina Boteva (CCSU) 6-0; 6-0

Doubles

1. Shchupak/Martin (GC&SU) defeat Chergova/Gandia (CCSU) 9-7
2. Kruger/Davidsson (GC&SU) defeat Boteva/Petkova (CCSU) 8-2
3. Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU) defeat Intriago/McKnight (GC&SU) 8-6

---LAKERS---

#23 Clayton State women’s tennis 
falls 8-1 to #2 Armstrong State 

Savannah, GA --- April 5, 2005 --- The 23rd-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s team dropped its sixth match of the season Tuesday, falling to the second-ranked team in the nation, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 8-1 in the Peach Belt Conference action.  

The Lakers won one match in doubles play before dropping all six of the singles. Clayton State will try to get back on the winning track on Thursday, traveling to face another nationally ranked Peach Belt team in Georgia College & State University. The match hosted by the 11th-ranked Bobcats will begin at 2 p.m. in Milledgeville, GA.  

The loss on Tuesday drops the Lakers to 9-6 overall and 4-4 in the Peach Belt.   

Clayton State’s lone win on the afternoon came at No. 1 doubles with Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova defeating Luisa Cowper and Laura Peaty 9-7. Peaty and Cowper entered the match as the third-ranked doubles team in the nation. The Lakers second seed of Daniela Petkova and Velina Boteva lost 8-1 to seventh-ranked ranked Manuela Emmrich and Caroline Grange. The third-seeded team of Katrin Gutknecht and Elena Bondari also fell 8-1.  

In singles, top-seeded Gandia, the nation’s 9th-ranked player, fell 6-2 and 6-2 to Cowper, the fourth-ranked player, while Chergova, ranked 44th, fell 6-1 and 6-4 to Dziyana Nazaruk, the nation’s sixth-ranked player. Third-seeded Bondari lost to 27th-ranked Johanna Dahlback 6-1 and 6-1, and fourth-seeded Gutknecht lost 6-1 and 6-3 to Emmrich. 

Fifth-seeded Petkova fell 6-2 and 6-2 to Sofia Haggstrom and sixth-seeded Lilia Tzvetanova lost 6-0 and 6-0 to Kristen Kelly.  

Women's Tennis: AASU 8, CC&SU 1 

Singles

1. Luisa Cowper (AASU) def. Julia Gandia (CCSU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Dziyana Nazaruk (AASU) def. Julia Chergova (CCSU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Johanna Dahlback (AASU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-1, 6-1
4. Manuela Emmrich (AASU) def. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) 6-1, 6-3
5. Sofia Haggstrom (AASU) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU) 6-2, 6-2
6. Kristen Kelly (AASU) def. Lilia Tzvetanova (CCSU) 6-0, 6-0 

Doubles

1. Chergova/Gandia (CCSU) def. Cowper/Laura Peaty (AASU) 9-7
2. Emmrich/Caroline Grage (AASU) def. Petkova/Velina Boteva (CCSU) 8-1
3. Dahlback/Nazaruk (AASU) def. Gutknecht/Bondari (CCSU) 8-1

#23 Clayton State slams Kennesaw State 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis action 

Marietta, GA --- March 30, 2005 --- The 23^rd-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team picked up its fourth Peach Belt Conference win of the season on Wednesday, slamming metro-Atlanta rival Kennesaw State University 7-2 at Laurel Park in Marietta, GA.  

The win improves the Lakers to 9-5 on the season and 4-4 in Peach Belt action. Clayton State will return to action on Friday, hosting North Georiga College & State University in a 2:30 p.m. match. 

 Clayton State jumped out to an early lead Wednesday, winning two of the three doubles matches. Top-seeded freshmen Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova got the team rolling with an 8-3 win over KSU's top-seeded team of Paula Takara and Giselle Nakakura, while the third-seeded Clayton State team of sophomore Katrin Gutknecht and freshman Elena Bondari defeated KSU's Laura Pucha and Lindsey Teoli 8-4.

 In singles, Gandia, the nation’s ninth-ranked player, defeated Takara 6-1 and 6-3, while second-seeded Chergova, the nation’s 44th-ranked player, won 6-1 and 6-1 over Nakakura. Clayton State's fourth seed Gutknecht won her match 6-3 and 6-2 over Jessica Fischetti, and fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova rallied to win 1-6, 6-2 and 6-4 over Puch. Sixth-seeded freshman Velina Boteva cruised to a 6-1 and 6-2 win over KSU's Teoli.

 The only losses for the Lakers on the day came at No. 2 doubles and No. 3 singles. In doubles, Petkova and Boteva fell 8-3 to Karen Ammann and Fischetti, and Bondari lost in singles 6-4 and 6-0 to Ammann.

Clayton State 7, Kennesaw State 2 
Singles
#1 - Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Paula Takara (KSU) 6-3; 6-1
#2 - Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Giselle Nakakura (KSU) 6-1, 6-1
#3 - Karen Ammann (KSU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-4; 6-0
#4 - Katrin Gutknecht  (CCSU) def. Jessica Fischetti (KSU) 6-3, 6-2
#5 - Daniela Petkova (CCSU) def. Melanie Eng (KSU) 1-6, 6-2, 6-4
#6 - Velina Boteva (CCSU) def. Lindsey Teoli (KSU) 6-1, 6-2

Doubles
#1 - Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Takara/Nakakura (KSU) 8-3
#2 - Ammann/Fischetti (KSU) def. Petkova/Boteva (CCSU) 8-3
#3 - Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Teoli/Puch (KSU) 8-4  

#9 North Florida downs #23 Clayton State 6-3 in Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis action 

Morrow, GA --- March 24, 2005 --- The 23^rd-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team fell in Peach Belt Conference play Thursday, falling 6-3 to the ninth-ranked team in the nation the University of North Florida.  

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Lakers and drops the team to 8-5 on the season and 3-3 in Peach Belt play. Clayton State will return to action against another of the top-10 teams at the NCAA Division II level, traveling to face Peach Belt foe Armstrong Atlantic State University. The match in Savannah, GA, is slated for 2 p.m.  

The Lakers opened play on Thursday with one win in doubles, as top-seeded freshmen Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova defeated the 19^th-ranked doubles team of Liliana Hung and Julie Stoppelli 8-5.   

The No. 2 Clayton State seed of sophomore Daniela Petkova and freshman Velina Boteva lost 8-4 to Melanie Eng and Yevgeniya Barysheva, while the third seed of sophomore Katrin Gutknecht and freshman Elena Bondari fell 8-5 to Vannesa Sanchez and Katia Brandt.  

In singles, Gandia, the nation’s ninth-ranked player, came twice back to beat North Florida’s Barysheva, the 35^th-ranked player. Down two match points in a third-set super tiebreaker, Gandia came back to win the third set 12-10. She fell 6-4 in the first set before coming back to cruise in the second set 6-2. Clayton State’s only other win in singles came at the No. 5 seed, as Petkova won 6-4 and 6-3 over Eng.  

Second-seeded Chergova, the nation’s 44^th-ranked, dropped her second match of the season, falling in a three-set duel. She lost 10-7 in the third set to Hung after falling 6-3 in first set. Julia came back to win the second set 6-4.  

In other matches, third seed Bondari lost 6-3 and 6-1 to Brandt, while fourth seed Gutknecht fell 6-4 and 6-1 to Sanchez. Sixth seed Boteva lost 6-0 and 6-0 to Stoppelli.  

North Florida 6, Clayton State 3
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Yevgeniya Barysheva  (UNF) 4-6; 6-2; (12-10)
#2 Liliana Hung (UNF) def. Julia Chergova (CCSU) 6-3, 4-6; (10-7)
#3 Katia Brandt (UNF) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU); 6-3; 6-1
#4 Vanessa Sanchez (UNF) def. Katrin Gutknecht  (CCSU); 6-4, 6-1
#5 Daniela Petkova (CCSU) def. Melanie Eng (UNF); 6-4, 6-3
#6 Julie Stoppelli (UNF); def. Velina Boteva (CCSU); 6-0, 6-0

Clayton State women’s tennis team cruises past Berry 7-2 in women’s tennis; to host North Florida Thurs. 

Morrow, GA --- March 23, 2005 --- The 23rd-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team picked up its biggest win of the season Wednesday, cruising to a 7-2 victory over Berry College, a team ranked in the top-10 at the NAIA level.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-4 on the season, while Berry, the nation’s 10th-ranked team in NAIA, drops to 10-5 on the year. Clayton State will return to action on Thursday against another nationally ranked team, hosting ninth-ranked and PBC rival the University of North Florida. The match, rescheduled from Tuesday due to rain, will begin at 1 p.m.  

In singles Wednesday, freshman Julia Gandia, the nation’s ninth-ranked player, defeated Berry’s Kristin Hunter 6-2 and 6-3. Hunter entered the match as the seventh-ranked player in NAIA.  

The match of the day was at No. 2 singles as 44th-ranked freshman Julia Chergova defeated Berry’s Patricia Llaguno, the 30th-ranked player. Chergova prevailed 10-8 in a super tiebreaker after winning the first set 6-2 and falling in the second set 6-4.  

Third-seeded freshman Elana Bondari defeated Berry’s Marine Eberhardt after she had to retire due to an injury. Bondari was leading 5-2 in the match. Fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova won 7-5 and 6-1 over Susannah Cook, while Clayton State freshman Velina Boteva won 6-2 and 6-2 over Valentine Eberhardt.  

Sophomore Katrin Gutknecht dropped the only match in singles for the Lakers, falling 6-4 and 6-4 to Berry’s Marcela Velez.  

In doubles, the top-seeded Clayton State team of Gandia and Chergova won 8-3 over Hunter and Llaguno, the fourth-ranked doubles team in NAIA. The third seed of Bondari Gutknecht won 8-3 over Cook and V. Eberhardt, while the Laker team of Petkova and Boteva lost 8-2 at the second seed, falling to M. Eberhardt and Valez.  

Clayton State 7, Berry 2
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Kristin Hunter (BC) 6-2; 6-3
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Patricia Llaguno (BC); 6-2, 4-6; (10-8)
#3 Elena Bondari (CCSU) def. Marine Eberhardt (BC); 5-2 retired
#4 Marcela Velez (BC) def. Katrin Gutknecht  (CCSU); 6-4, 6-4
#5 Daniela Petkova (CCSU) def. Susannah Cook (BC); 7-5, 6-1
#6 Velina Boteva (CCSU); def. Valentine Eberhardt (BC); 6-2, 6-2

Doubles
#1 Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Hunter /Llaguno (BC); 8-3
#2 M. Eberhardt/Velez (BC) def. Petkova/Boteva (CCSU); 8-2
#3 Bondari/Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Cook/Eberhardt (BC); 8-3

Clayton State women’s tennis edges Francis Marion
5-4; to host North Florida on Tuesday  

Morrow, GA --- March 19, 2005 --- The 27^th-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team edged Peach Belt Conference opponent Francis Marion University 5-4 Saturday at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 7-4 on the season and 3-2 in the Peach Belt. Clayton State will return to action on Tuesday with another PBC match, hosting the University of North Florida in a 2 p.m. match.

 Clayton State won Saturday, prevailing in two of the three doubles matches and a trio of singles matches. The match of the day was at No. 1 singles, as freshman Julia Chergova fell in a three set affair to FMU’s Kamini Murugaboopathy, the nation’s 33^rd-ranked player.  

Chergova, who usually plays at No. 2 singles for the club, was playing at No. 1 due to an ankle injury to Clayton State’s top-ranked player freshman Julia Gandia. Chergova, the nation’s 44^th-ranked player, lost the first set 6-2 before coming back to win the second one 6-2. She fell in the third set 6-3, her first loss of the season. 

At No. 2 singles, Gandia, the nation’s ninth-ranked player won 6-1 and 6-1 over Jenny Ludwig. The Lakers also picked up a win at No. 4 singles with sophomore Katrin Gutknecht cruising to a 6-0 and 6-1 victory over Elizabeth Lee, and another win at No. 6 singles, as freshman Lila Tzvetanova prevailed in a close first set 7-6 before breezing in the second set 6-1 over Sarah Carmichael.   

Third-seeded freshman Elana Bondari lost 6-2 and 6-4 to Maria Covell, while fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova fell 6-0 and 6-1 to Sara Moyer.  

In doubles, the top-seeded team of Gandia and Chergova won 8-3 over Murugaboopathy and Ludwig, while the third seed of Gutknecht and freshman Maria Mancha pulled out a 9-7 decision over Carmichael and Moyer. The team of Bondari and Petkova lost 8-3 at the second seed, falling to Ludwig and Lee.  

Clayton State 5, Francis Marion 4
Singles
#1 Kamini Murugaboopathy (FMU) def. Julia Chergova (CCSU) 6-2; 2-6; 6-3
#2 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Jenny Ludwig (FMU); 6-1, 6-1
#3 Maria Covell (FMU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU); 6-2, 6-4
#4 Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Elizabeth Lee (FMU); 6-0, 6-1
#5 Sarah Moyer (FMU) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU); 6-0, 6-1
#6 Lila Tzvetanova (CCSU); def. Sarah Carmichael (FMU); 7-6, 6-1

Doubles
#1 Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Murugaboopathy /Covell (FMU); 8-3
#2 Ludwig/Lee (FMU) def. Bondari/Petkova (CCSU); 8-3
#3 Gutknecht/Mancha (CCSU) def. Moyer/Carmichael (FMU); 9-7

Morrow, GA — March 16, 2005 --- Clayton College & State University women’s tennis players Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova have a lost a combined one singles match this season, and on Tuesday, the duo was recognized for their outstanding play being ranked among the nation’s top players by International Tennis Association (ITA). 

Gandia is currently ranked ninth in the nation with a 9-1 record at No. 1 singles for the club, while Chergova is ranked 44th in the country with a undefeated 10-0 record on the year. Chergova has not lost a set all season.

A 5-7 freshman from Almansa, Spain, Gandia has several impressive wins on the season. She defeated fifth-ranked Columbus State University’s Diana Gherghi, the nation's third-ranked singles player, 6-4, 1-6, 11-9. She also defeated third-ranked University of West Florida's top seed and the nation's 10th-ranked player Nicole Pilkat 6-4 and 6-4.

Gandia’s only loss on the season came when she was forced to retire in a match against NCAA Division I St. Louis University due to an ankle sprain.  She was named the PBC Player of the Week earlier this month as a result of her play.

Chergova also has several impressive wins with her top victory coming against the University of South Carolina Upstate’s Mariana Melo 6-3, 7-5. Melo is currently ranked 25^th in the nation for Upstate’s 16^th-ranked team.  Chergova also defeated Columbus’ No. 2 seed Zuzana Valekova 7-5, 6-1 and West Florida’s No. 2 player, Paola Arevalo, 6-1, 6-1.

As a team, Clayton State is 6-4 on the season and ranked 27^th in the country. The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, hosting Francis Marion University. The match was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. but has been changed to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.

Pensacola, FL --- March 9, 2005 --- The 17^th –ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis picked up a couple of victories Tuesday and Wednesday, smashing Spring Hill College and St. Louis University.  

The Lakers blanked Spring Hill 6-0 on Tuesday before defeating NCAA Division I St. Louis 6-3 on Wednesday. The two wins improve Clayton State to 5-4 on the season. Clayton State will take the remainder of week off, returning to action on Saturday, March 19^th, hosting Francis Marion University in a 2 p.m. match.  

Against St. Louis on Wednesday, the Lakers won two of the three doubles matches and four singles matches enroute to the win.  

In doubles, top-seeded Julia Gandia and Julia Chergova won 8-5 over Amanda Hellberg and Rachel McCullagh, while third seeded Maria Mancha and Daniela Petkova won by default. Second-seeded Katrina Gutknecht and Elena Bondari lost 8-2 to Tara Grant and Tina Grasso.   

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia dropped her first match of the season, retiring after an ankle injury to St. Louis’ Hellberg. Second-seeded freshman Julia Chergova kept her unbeaten streak alive, defeating Grant 6-2-6-2.  

Third-seeded freshman Bondari fell 6-1 and 6-1 to McCullagh, while fourth-seeded sophomore Gutknecht won 6-1 and 6-2 over Grasso. Sophomore Petkova and freshman Mancha won the fifth and sixth seeds by default. 

Against Spring Hill, the Lakers won 6-0 with three singles matches not being completed since Clayton State had already secured the team win.  

In doubles, top-seeded Gandia and Chergova won 8-1 over Victoria Malone and Alexis Murray, while second-seeded Petkova and freshman Velina Boteva prevailed 8-4 over Jennifer Favre and Katelyn Olewinski. Third-seeded Gutknecht and Bondari won 8-2 over Georgia Beale and Catherine Thames.  

Gandia won 6-1 and 6-0 at No. 1 singles over Malone, while second-seeded Chergova won 6-0 and 6-3 over Beale. The Lakers secured the win at No. 4 singles with Petkova blanking Olewinski 6-0 and 6-0.  

Tuesday, March 8                                                                                                                            
Clayton State 6, Spring Hill 0
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Victoria Malone (SHC); 6-1, 6-0
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Georgia Beale (SHC); 6-0, 6-3
#3 Elena Bondari (CCSU) DNF
#4 Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) DNF
#5 Daniela Petkova  (CCSU) def. Katelyn Olewinski (SHC); 6-0, 6-0
#6 Velina Boteva (CCSU) DNF 
Doubles
#1 Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Malone/Murray (SHC) 8-1
#2 Petkova /Boteva (CCSU) def. Favre/ Olewinski (SHC); 8-4
#3 Gutknecht /Bondari (CCSU) def. Beale/Thames (SHC); 8-2

 Wednesday, March 9
Clayton State 6, St. Louis 3   
Singles:                                                         
#1 Amanda Hellberg (SLU) def. Julia Gandia (CCSU) retired
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Tara Grant (SLU) 6-2, 6-2                                                          
 #3 Rachel McCullagh (SLU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-1, 6-1                                                        
#4 Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Tina Grasso (SLU) 6-1, 6-2                                                 
#5 Daniela Petkova (CCSU) won by default
#6 Maria Mancha (CCSU) won by default
Doubles:                                                                                                                                           
#1 Gandia/ Chergova (CCSU) def. Hellberg/McCullagh (SLU) 8-5                                                
#2 Grant/Grasso (SLU) def. Gutknecht /Bondari (CCSU) 8-2                                                                    
#3 Petkova/Mancha  (CCSU) won by default

Morrow, GA — March 9, 2005 – Clayton College & State University women’s tennis player Julia Gandia is 9-0 on the season and last week defeated the nation’s four-ranked player. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the Peach Belt Conference, as she was named Wednesday the PBC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week.

Gandia, a 5-7 freshman from Almansa, Spain, is coming off an impressive week of play, where she defeated Columbus State University’s Diana Gherghi, the nation's fourth-ranked player 6-4, 1-6, 11-9. She also defeated third-ranked University of West Florida's top seed and the nation's 29th-ranked Nicole Pilkat 6-4 and 6-4.

Gandia has lost only one set all season in singles and also picked up a win earlier this year against the top player for Emory University, a squad that is the two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion.

She becomes Clayton State’s first player to receive PBC Player of the Week honors this season. Former Clayton State All-America and current assistant coach Jackeline Nieto was the last Laker to receive PBC Player of the Week honors last season. 

The Laker women’s tennis team, ranked 17^th in the nation, is currently 4-4 on the season and coming off a 6-0 win over Spring Hill College on Tuesday. 

###CCSU###

Pensacola, FL --- March 7, 2005 --- The 17^th –ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team dropped its fourth match of the season Monday, falling to the nation’s third-ranked team, the University of West Florida 7-2 in Pensacola, FL.

 The Lakers won at the two top singles seeds but were unable to win another match, falling in the remainder of singles matches and all three of the doubles contests. Clayton State, 4-4 on the season, will try to get back on the winning track on Tuesday, traveling to face Spring Hill College in a 4 p.m. (CT) match in Mobile, AL.

 In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia defeated Nicole Plikat 6-4 and 6-1, while second-seeded freshman Julia Chergova beat Paola Arevalo 6-1 and 6-1. Both Gandia and Chergova are undefeated at the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds this season.

 Third-seeded freshman Elena Bondari fell 6-0 and 6-0 to Eva Papastradtides, while fourth-seeded sophomore Katrin Gutknecht also lost 6-0 and 6-0 to Pilar Cortes. Fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova lost 6-0 and 6-0 to Diana Olave, and sixth-seeded freshman Velina Boteva fell 6-1 and 6-1 to Giulianna Oblitas.

 In doubles, top-seeded Gandia and Chergova lost 8-3 to Plikat and Papastradtides, while second-seeded Petkova and Boteva fell 8-1 to Cortes and Arevalo. Third-seeded Gutknecht and Bondari lost 8-1 to Olave and Oblitas.

 AGAINST COLUMBUS STATE ON SAT. 

On Saturday, the Laker women’s team lost to Peach Belt Conference foe Columbus State University, the nation’s 14^th –ranked team 7-2.

 The highlight for Clayton State was two wins at the top two seeds with Gandia defeating Diana Ghergi, the nation’s fourth-ranked player in the country. She prevailed in a three-set super tiebreaker winning 11-9 in the final set. She won the first set 6-4 before falling in the second 1-6. Chergova won 7-5 and 6-1 over Zuzana Valekova.

Monday, March 7
West Florida 7, Clayton State 2
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Nicole Plikat (UWF); 6-4, 6-4
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Paola Arevalo (UWF); 6-1, 6-1
#3 Eva Papastradtides (UWF) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU); 6-0,6-0
#4 Pilar Cortes (UWF) def. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU); 6-0, 6-0
#5 Diana Olave (UWF) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU); 6-0, 6-0
#6 Giulianna Oblitas (UWF) def. Velina Boteva (CCSU); 6-1, 6-1

Doubles
#1 Plikat /Papastradtides (UWF) def. Gandia/ Chergova (CCSU); 8-3
#2 Arevalo /Cortes (UWF) def. Petkova / Boteva (CCSU); 8-1
#3 Olave /Oblitas (UWF) def. Gutknecht /Bondari (CCSU); 8-1

Saturday, March 5 at Columbus State
Columbus State 7, Clayton State 2
SINGLES:
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Diana Gherghi (CSU) 6-4, 1-6, 11-9                                                                                                  
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Zuzana Valekova (CSU) 7-5, 6-1
 #3 Suzanne Visagie (CSU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-2, 6-1
#4 Agata Polcyn (CSU) def. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) 6-1, 6-4
#5 Raluca Moldovan (CSU) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU) 6-1, 6-1
#6 Marianne Berry (CSU) def. Velina Boteva (CCSU) 6-0, 6-3

DOUBLES:
#1 Gherghi/ Valekova (CSU) def. Gandia/ Chergova (CCSU) 8-0
#2 Moldovan/ Polcyn (CSU) def. Bondari/ Boteva (CCSU) 8-3
#3 Visagie/ Berry (CSU) def. Gutknecht/ Petkova (CCSU)  8-1

Morrow, GA --- February 24, 2005 --- The 17^th-ranked Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team improved to 4-2 on the season Wednesday, downing Peach Belt Conference opponent Augusta State University 8-1 at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

Clayton State won all three doubles matches and five of the six singles, falling only at the sixth seed in a three-set affair. The Lakers will return to action on Friday, traveling to face Valdosta State University in a 2 p.m. match, followed by playing at GC&SU on Monday.  

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia defeated Sarah Jegat 6-0 and 6-1, while second-seeded freshman Julia Chergova won 6-2 and 6-1 over Norma Rovira. Gandia and Chergova are both 6-0 on the season and have not lost a set all season.  

Third-seeded sophomore Katrin Gutknecht won 6-3 and 6-0 over Maria Zevallos, and fourth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova defeated Ashley Abrams 6-2 and 6-2. Fifth-seeded freshman Elena Bondari won a third set super tiebreaker 10-8 to defeat Jeaneen Brester. Bondari lost 6-4 in the first set before coming back to win the second set 6-2.  

Sixth-seeded freshman Lila Tzvetanova fell to Anna Wilander 10-5 in a third set super tiebreaker. She lost the first set 6-4 before coming back to win the second set 7-5.  

In doubles, top seed Gandia and Chergova won 8-2 over Jegat and Rovira, while second-seeded Bondari and freshman Velina Boteva beat Brester and Abrams 9-8. Third-seeded Petokva and Gutknecht won 8-4 over Zevallos and Wilander. 

Friday, Feb. 23 --- Morrow, GA
Clayton State 8, Augusta State 1

Singles
No. 1 – Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Sarah Jegat (ASU) 6-0; 6-1
No. 2 – Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Norma Rovira (ASU) 6-2; 6-1
No. 3 – Katrina Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Maria Zevallos (ASU) 6-3; 6-0
No. 4 – Daniela Petkova (CCSU) def. Ashley Abrams (ASU) 6-2; 6-2
No. 5 – Elena Bondari (CCSU) def. Jeaneen Brester (ASU) 4-6; 6-2 (10-8)
No. 6 – Anna Wilander (ASU) def. Lilia Tzvetanova (CCSU) 4-6; 7-5 (10-5)

Doubles
No. 1 – Gandi/Chergova (CCSU) def. Jegat/Rovira (ASU) 8-2
No. 2 – Bondari /Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Brester/Abrams  (ASU) 9-8
No. 3 – Gutknecht /Lila Tzvetanova  (CCSU) def. Zevallos/Wilander (ASU) 8-4

Morrow, GA --- February 19, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team dropped its second match of the season Saturday, and its first Peach Belt Conference contest, falling to the University of South Carolina Upstate at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

The Lakers fell in all three doubles matches, winning only the two top seeds in doubles. Clayton State was scheduled to have played the University of South Carolina Aiken on Sunday but the match was postponed to a later date.  

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia defeated Zarah DeSilva 6-1, 6-2, while second-seeded freshman Julia Chergova beat Mariana Melo 6-3, 7-5.  

Third-seeded Katrin Gutknecht lost 6-3 and 6-1 to Diana Martinez, while fourth fourth-seeded freshman Elena Bondari was defeated 6-0 and 6-2 by Annika Meyerson. Fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova lost 6-0 and 6-4 to Paloma Castillo, and sixth-seeded freshman Lila Tzyetanova fell 6-2 and 6-1 to Nina Lesnanska.  

In doubles, top-seeded Gandia and Bondari lost 8-4 to DeSilva and Melo, while second-seeded Chergova and Gutknecht fell 9-7 to Martinez and Meyerson. Third-seeded Petkova and Boteva lost 8-6 to Castillo and Lesnanska.

USC Upstate 7, Clayton State 2
Singles
#1 Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Zarah DeSilva (Upstate); 6-1, 6-2
#2 Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Mariana Melo (Upstate); 6-3, 7-5
#3 Diana Martinez (Upstate) def. Katrin Gutnecht (CCSU); 6-3, 6-1
#4 Annika Meyerson (Upstate) def. Elena Bondari(CCSU); 6-0, 6-2
#5 Paloma Castillo (Upstate) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU); 6-0, 6-4
#6 Nina Lesnanska (Upstate) def. Lila Tzvetanova (CCSU); 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
#1 Melo/DeSilva (Upstate) def. Gandia/Bondari (CCSU); 8-4
#2 Meyerson/Martinez (Upstate) def. Chergova/Gutnecht (CCSU); 9-7
#3 Castillo/Lesnanska (Upstate) def. Petkova/Maria Mancha (CCSU); 8-6

Morrow, GA --- February 17, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team dropped its first match of the season Thursday, falling to two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion and current No. 1 ranked Emory University 6-3 at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

The Lakers won the top-seeded doubles match and the two top-seeded singles matches but was unable to prevail in any others against the Eagles. Clayton State will try to get back on the winning track on Saturday, hosting Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of South Carolina Upstate in a 2 p.m. match. The Lakers are 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Peach Belt.  

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia defeated Carina Alberelli in straight sets 6-3 and 6-2, while second-seeded freshman Julia Chergova beat Serena Burkard 6-1 and 6-2.  

Third-seeded Katrin Gutknecht lost 6-0 and 6-4 to Jamie Chan, while fourth fourth-seeded freshman Elena Bondari was defeated 6-0 and 6-3 by Richelle Marasigan. Fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova lost 6-4 and 6-3 to Linda Tien, and sixth-seeded freshman Velina Boteva fell 6-0 and 6-1 to Breana Lai.  

In doubles, top-seeded Gandia and Bondari won 8-2 over Marasigan and Anand, while second-seeded Chergova and Gutknecht fell 8-4 to Chan and Alberelli. Third-seeded Petkova and Boteva lost 8-2 to Burkard and Alexandra Gross.  

Thursday, Feb. 17 --- Morrow, GA
Emory 6, Clayton State 3
Singles
No. 1 – Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Carina Alberelli (EU) 6-3; 6-2
No. 2 – Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Serena Burkard (EU) 6-1; 6-2
No. 3 – Jamie Chan (EU) def. Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) 6-0; 6-4
No. 4 – Richelle Marasigan (EU) def. Elena Bondari (CCSU) 6-0; 6-3
No. 5 – Linda Tien (EU) def. Daniela Petkova (CCSU) 6-4, 6-3
No. 6 – Breana Lai (EU) def. Velina Boteva (CCSU) 6-0; 6-1
Doubles
No. 1 – Gandi/Bondari (CCSU) def. Marasigan /Indu Anand (EU) 8-2
No. 2 – Chan/Alberelli (EU) def. Chergova/Gutknecht (CCSU) 8-4
No. 3 – Burkhard/Alexandra Gross  (EU) def. Petkova/Boteva (CCSU) 8-2

Morrow, GA --- February 13, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team improved to 3-0 on the season over the weekend, defeating Peach Belt Conference opponent UNC Pembroke 6-3 on Saturday, followed by downing non-conference foe Barton College 8-1 on Sunday.  

On the Sunday, the Lakers swept all three doubles matches and won five-of the six singles matches, cruising to the victory.  

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia blanked Melissa Faulk in straight sets 6-0 and 6-0, while second seeded freshman Julia Chergova defeated Allison Cobb 6-0 and 6-1. Third-seeded sophomore Katrin Gutknecht won 6-2 and 6-0 over Jessica Galasso. 

Fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova won 6-3 and 6-3 over Leigh Best, while sixth-seeded freshman Velina Boteva won 6-3 and 6-2 over Victoria Lockhart. The Lakers lone loss came at the four seed, as freshman Elena Bondari lost 6-3 and 7-5 to Heather Lewis. 

In doubles, top seed Gandia and Bondari won 8-6 over Faulk and Jan Lewis, while second seed Chergova and Gutknecht also won 8-4, defeating Barton’s Galasso and H. Lewis. The Clayton State third seed of Petkova and Boteva won 8-1 over Cobb and Best. 

Sunday, February 13 --- Morrow, GA
Clayton State 8, Barton 1

 Doubles 
#1 Gandia/Bondari (CCSU) def. Faulk/J. Lewis (BC) 8-6 
#2 Chergova/ Gutknecht (CCSU) def. H. Lewis/Galasso (BC) 8-4
#3 Petkova/Boteva (CCSU) def. Cobb/Best (BC) 8-1

 Singles 
#1 Gandia (CCSU) def. Faulk (BC) 6-0, 6-0
#2 Chergova (CCSU) def. Cobb (BC) 6-0, 6-1 
#3 Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Galasso (BC) 6-2; 6-0
#4 H. Lewis (BC) def. Bondari (CCSU) 6-3, 7-5
#5 Petkova (CCSU) def. French (BC) 6-3; 6-3
#6 Boteva (CCSU) def. Boteva (BC) 6-3, 6-2

 Clayton State vs. UNC Pembroke 

On the Saturday, the Lakers opened their PBC season winning two of the three doubles matches, followed by capturing four of the six singles.  

Top-seeded Gardia defeated Stacy Wood 6-0 and 6-1, while second-seeded Chergova blanked Erin Saltzman 6-0 and 6-0. Bondari fell at the No. 3 seed to Natalie Dies in a super tiebreaker 10-6, after splitting opening sets. She won the first set 6-4 before falling in the second 6-4.  

Fourth-seed Gutknecht won 6-0 and 6-2 over Jessica Figgins, while fifth-seeded Petkova prevailed in a three-set super tiebreaker over Abi French. She won the first set 6-1 before falling in the second set 7-6 (7-2). She won the 10-6 in the tiebreaker for the match. Sixth-seeded Boteva also fell in a third set super tiebreaker, falling 10-6 to Shannon Gentry. Boteva won 6-3 in the opening set before falling 6-3 in the second.  

In doubles, top seed Gandia and Chergova won 8-3 over Wood and Dies, while second seed Bondari and Gutknecht lost 8-4 to Saltzman and French. The Clayton State third seed of Petkova and Boteva won 8-1 over Figgins and Gentry.  

Clayton State will return to action on Thursday, February 17^th, hosting Emory University in a 2 p.m. match.  

Clayton State 6, UNC Pembroke 3 

Doubles 
#1 Gandia/Chergova (CCSU) def. Wood/Dies (UNCP) 8-3 
#2 Saltzman/French (UNCP) def. Bondari/ Gutknecht (CCSU) 8-4
#3 Petkova/Boteva (CCSU) def. Figgins/Gentry (UNCP) 8-4 

Singles 
#1 Gandia (CCSU) def. Wood (UNCP) 6-0, 6-1
#2 Chergova (CCSU) def. Saltzman (UNCP) 6-0, 6-0 
#3 Dies (UNCP) def. Bondari (CCSU) 4-6, 6-4, 10-6
#4 Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Figgins (UNCP) 6-0, 6-2
#5 Petkova (CCSU) def. French (UNCP) 6-1, 6-7 (7-2), 10-6
#6 Gentry (UNCP) def. Boteva (CCSU) 6-3, 3-6. 10-6

Morrow, GA --- February 4, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s tennis team opened the 2005 season on a positive note Friday, blanking Albany State University 9-0 at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

The 2005 Laker team, which features seven freshman and one sophomore, swept through the doubles, dropping only two games in the three matches. The only scare came at No. 3 singles, as CCSU prevailed in a three-set duel.  

In singles, freshman top-seeded Julia Gandia defeated Terri Sherman in straight sets 6-0 and 6-0, while second seeded freshman Julia Chergova blanked Tiffany Odom 6-0 and 6-0. Third-seeded freshman Elena Bondari came back to defeat Albany’s Ebonye Jones 10-4 in a third set super tiebreaker. She won 7-5 in the second set after falling 6-4 in the first set.  

Fourth-seeded freshman Katrin Gutknecht won 6-1 and 6-1 over Christina Williams, while fifth-seeded sophomore Daniela Petkova won 6-0 and 6-1 over Carlezza Garrett. Sixth-seeded freshman Velina Boteva won 6-0 and 6-0 over Victoria Lockhart.  

In doubles, top seed Gandia and Bondari won 8-1 over Jones and Sherman, while second seed Chergova and Gutknecht also won 8-1, defeating Albany’s Williams and Odom. Freshman Lila Tzvetanova and Maria Mancha won 8-0 over Garrett and Dominique Green.  

Clayton State (1-0) will return to action on Saturday, February 12^th, opening its Peach Belt Conference schedule, traveling to face the University of North Carolina Pembroke in a 2:30 p.m. match. The Lakers next home match is slated for Thursday, February 17^th, hosting Emory University in a 2 p.m. match.  

Friday, Feb. 4 --- Morrow, GA
Clayton State 9, Albany State 0
Singles
No. 1 – Julia Gandia (CCSU) def. Terri Sherman (ASU) 6-0; 6-0
No. 2 – Julia Chergova (CCSU) def. Tiffany Odom (ASU) 6-0; 6-0
No. 3 – Elena Bondari (CCSU) def. Ebonye Jones (ASU) 4-6; 7-5 (10-4)
No. 4 – Katrin Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Chris Williams (ASU) 6-1; 6-1
No. 5 – Daniela Petkova (CCSU) def. Carleeza Garrett (ASU) 6-0, 6-1
No. 6 – Velina Boteva (CCSU) def. Victoria Lockhart (ASU) 6-0; 6-0
Doubles
No. 1 – Gandi/Bondari (CCSU) def. Jones/Sherman (ASU) 8-1
No. 2 – Chergova/Gutknecht (CCSU) def. Williams/Odom  (ASU) 8-1
No. 3 – Maria Mancha/Lila Tzvetanova  (CCSU) def. Garrett/Green (ASU) 8-0