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2005-06 Laker Women's Tennis Season

Clayton State opens Peach Belt Tournament with victory
 Lakers blank UNC-Pembroke 5-0, face top-ranked Armstrong Atlantic next

SUMPTER, S.C. --- APRIL 13, 2006 --- The Peach Belt Conference Women’s Tournament opened successfully for the Clayton State Lakers on Thursday as they rolled past UNC-Pembroke 5-0 at the Palmetto Tennis Center. The victory improves Clayton State to 6-13 overall on the season.

Clayton State swept the three doubles, and then won its first two singles matches to seal the victory.

In doubles, Julia Chergova and Elena Bondari knocked off the Braves’ Stacey Wood and Natalie Dies 8-5 at No. 1, while Maria Larsen and Agnieszka Kozakow prevailed at No. 2 with an 8-4 victory over the UNC-Pembroke tandem of Ivana Music’ and Jessica Figgins. At No. 3, Lilia Tzvetanova and Veronika Jasenovcova won 8-3 over the Braves’ Erin Saltzman and Amy Hardin.

Chergova downed Wood 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 in singles, as did Tzvetanova over Hardin at No. 6 to wrap up the match for the Lakers.

Clayton State was to play top-ranked and top-seeded Armstrong Atlantic today at 3 p.m. in the Peach Belt Tournament.
CLAYTON STATE 5, UNC-PEMBROKE 0
Singles:
 1. Julia Chergova (CS) d. Stacey Wood 6-0, 6-0
2. Veronika Jasenovcova (CS) v. Erin Saltzman (Did Not Finish)
3. Agnieszka Kozakow (CS) v. Natalie Dies (Did Not Finish)
4. Elena Bondari (CS) v. Ivana Music' (Did Not Finish)
5. Maria Larsen (CS) v. Jessica Figgins (Did Not Finish)
6. Lilia Tzvetanova (CS) d. Amy Hardin 6-0, 6-0
 Doubles:
1. Chergova/Bondari (CS) d. Wood/Dies 8-5
2. Kozakow/Larsen (CS) d. Music'/Figgins 8-4
3. Jasenovcova/Tzvetanova (CS) d. Saltzman/Hardin 8-3

Searl announces resignation as Clayton State women’s tennis coach
Veteran coach paced the Lakers to three NCAA Division II National Tournaments in five seasons

MORROW, Ga. --- APRIL 11, 2006 --- Elizabeth Searl announced her resignation as women’s head tennis coach at Clayton State, Laker athletic director Mason Barfield announced on Tuesday. Searl was head coach at Clayton State for the last six years, and a nationwide search for her replacement will begin immediately.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have someone with the background of Elizabeth Searl to lead our program over the last six years,” said Barfield. “She has built a program that has been respected, and one of the most consistent nationally-ranked programs in the Peach Belt Conference. We wish Elizabeth all the best in her future endeavors.”

In the last six years, Searl has built the Clayton State women's tennis program into a national power. The Laker program has advanced to the NCAA national tournament three of the last five seasons and been ranked in the ITA's Division II Top-25 for five straight years. In 2002, she led the Lakers to their first-ever appearance in the "Sweet-Sixteen" of NCAA Division II National Championships after leading the squad to a Peach Belt Conference Championship in 2001 and a Peach Belt runner-up finish in 2002. 

Under Searl’s guidance, the Lakers have had two All-Americas in the last four seasons in Jackeline Nieto and Nathalia Collantes. Nieto was a three-time All-America in singles and a two-time selection in doubles, while Collantes was a two-time selection in doubles. Searl was also recognized as the 2001 Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year. Overall, she has posted a 69-51 record at Clayton State.

Prior to coming to Clayton State, Searl served as an assistant coach with the Georgia Southern women’s tennis program in 1997 and worked with a pair of nationally ranked players, including the Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year. Besides her coaching duties, she was responsible for monitoring the Lady Eagles’ academic progress, which resulted in a school-best 3.5 team grade-point average.

A native of Venezuela, she worked as an assistant coach for the Venezuelan Junior Development Program, where she coached and trained 10 nationally ranked players.

During her four-year playing career at Georgia Southern, Searl compiled a 68-4 singles record and was tabbed Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year three times. A four-time Southern Conference Tournament and Georgia Southern Most Valuable Player, she captured four consecutive conference No. 1 singles championships, two doubles championships, and was ranked as high as 35th in the Rolex Collegiate rankings and 37th by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) in her senior year. She also led the Lady Eagles to back-to-back Southern Conference championships in 1995 and 1996.

As a junior player in Venezuela, Nieto was ranked 13th in the world in singles and 14th in doubles. She competed in several tournaments around the world as a junior player, including such high-profile events as the United States Open, Wimbledon and the French Open.

Top-ranked Armstrong Atlantic too much for Lakers 9-0
Clayton State concludes regular season 5-13 overall and 2-7 in Peach Belt

MORROW, Ga. --- APRIL 7, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker women’s tennis team went up against a tall order on Friday, playing host to top-ranked and defending NCAA Division II national champion Armstrong Atlantic in Peach Belt Conference action. The end result was a 9-0 victory by Armstrong Atlantic over the Lakers at Laker Courts.

The visiting Pirates won each singles match in straight sets.

Clayton State, ranked 29th in Division II, concludes the regular season 5-13 overall and 2-7 in the Peach Belt. Julia Chergova (No. 1), Veronika Jasenovcova (No. 2), Agnieszka Kozakow (No. 3), Elena Bondari (No. 4), Maria Larsen (No. 5) and Lilia Tzvetanova (No. 6) each suffered defeats for Clayton State.

In doubles, Armstrong Atlantic swept the three matches. Arguably the most exciting for Clayton State was at No. 1, where Chergova and Bondari battled Armstrong Atlantic’s Luisa Cowper and Iuliia Stupak hard before falling 8-4.

Next up for Clayton State is the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on April 13-16 at Francis Marion.

ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC 9, CLAYTON STATE 0
Singles:
1. Luisa Cowper (AA) d. Julia Chergova 6-1, 6-1
2. Iuliia Stupak (AA) d. Veronika Jasenovcova 6-0, 6-0
3. Dziyana Nazaruk (AA) d. Agnieszka Kozakow 6-1, 6-1
4. Johanna Dahlback (AA) d. Elena Bondari 6-4, 6-0
5. Sofia Haggstrom (AA) d. Maria Larsen 6-2, 6-0
6. Kristen Kelly (AA) d. Lilia Tzvetanova 6-0, 6-1
Doubles:
1. Cowper/Stupak (AA) d. Chergova/Bondari 8-4
2. Manuela Emmrich/CarolineGrage (AA) d. Kozskow/Larsen 8-1
3. Dahlback/Nazaruk (AA) d. Tzvetanova/Jasenvcoca 8-0

Clayton State ends skid with 9-0 rout at North Georgia
Lakers improve to 5-12 overall, gear up for Armstrong Atlantic

DAHLONEGA, Ga. --- APRIL 5, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker women’s tennis team ended a recent losing skid on Wednesday with a convincing 9-0 rout at Peach Belt Athletic Conference newcomer North Georgia. The victory ends a four-match losing streak for 29th-ranked Clayton State, which improves to 5-12 overall and 2-6 in the Peach Belt.

The Lakers won all six singles matches in straight sets. Julia Chergova downed the Saints’ Katherine Harrison 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1, while Veronika Jasenovcova prevailed at No. 2 with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Catie Murphy from North Georgia. Agnieszka Kozakow won for the Lakers at No. 3 with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jenny Bridges, followed by Elena Bondari’s 6-2, 6-1 victory over Amey Kearns from North Georgia at No. 4.

The Lakers closed it out with Maria Larson winning a 6-2, 6-0 decision over the Saints’ Crystal Lee at No. 5, and Lilia Tzvetanova blanked North Georgia’s Andrea Rodas 6-0, 6-0.

Clayton State swept all three doubles matches.

The Lakers close out the regular season on Friday, playing host to top-ranked and defending NCAA Division II National Championship at Armstrong Atlantic at 2 p.m. at Laker Courts.

CLAYTON STATE 9, NORTH GEORGIA 0
Singles:
 1. Julia Chergova (CS) d. Katherine Harrison 6-0, 6-1
2. Veronika Jasenovcova (CS) d. Catie Murphy 6-1, 6-3
3. Agnieszka Kozakow (CS) d. Jenny Bridges 6-1, 6-1
4. Elena Bondari (CS) d. Amey Kearns 6-2, 6-1
5. Maria Larsen (CS) d. Crystal Lee 6-2, 6-0
6. Lilia Tzvetanova (CS) d. Andrea Rodas 6-0, 6-0
Doubles:
 1. Chergova/Bondari (CS) d. Harrison/Murphy 8-4
2. Kozskow/Larsen (CS) d. Bridges/Kearns 8-0
3. Tzvetanova/Jasenvcoca (CS) d. Lee/Rodas 8-1

Lakers return to Peach Belt action with 7-2 defeat at Francis Marion
Chergova, Tzvetanova both record singles victories as Clayton State drops to 4-12

FLORENCE, S.C. --- APRIL 1, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker women’s tennis team returned to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, dropping a 7-2 decision at 13th-ranked Francis Marion. The defeat was the fourth straight for the 29th-ranked Lakers, who fall to 4-12 overall and 1-6 in the Peach Belt.

Both of Clayton State’s victories were in singles play. Julia Chergova won at No. 1 with a thrilling 2-6, 7-5, 10-8 victory over Francis Marion’s Sarka Vitkova, and Lilia Tzvetanova prevailed at No. 6 with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sara Moyer from Francis Marion. The Patriots won the middle four singles matches. One of the more thrilling finishes in those four matches came at No. 4, where Francis Marion’s Elizabeth Lee outlasted Clayton State’s Elena Bondari 2-6, 6-2, 10-8.

Francis Marion swept all three doubles matches. Chergova and Agnieszka Kozakow fell at No. 1 for Clayton State, as did Bondari and Maria Larsen at No. 2 and Tzvetanova and Veronika Jasenovcova at No. 3.

Clayton State is back in action on Wednesday at Peach Belt newcomer North Georgia at 2 p.m.

FRANCIS MARION 7, CLAYTON STATE 2
Singles:
1. Julia Chergova (CS) d. Sarka Vitkova 2-6, 7-5, 10-8
2. Jenny Ludwig (FM) d. Veronika Jasenovcova 6-0, 6-1
3. Kamini Murugaboopathy (FM) d. Agnieszka Kozakow 6-0, 6-1
4. Elizabeth Lee (FM) d. Elena Bondari 2-6, 6-2, 10-8
5. Sarah Hickman (FM) d. Maria Larsen 6-1, 6-2
6. Lilia Tzvetanova (CS) d. Sara Moyer 6-3, 6-2
Doubles:
 1. Ludwig/Murugaboopathy (FM) d. Chergova/Kozakow 8-1
2. Vitkova/Magda Jezovicova (FM) d. Larsen/Bondari 8-5
3. Lee/Maria Covell (FM) d. Jasenovcova/Tzvetanova 9-7

Lakers drop 6-3 decision to Erskine in battle of ranked teams
Chergova, Kozakow prevail in singles as Clayton State falls to 4-11

MORROW, Ga. --- MARCH 31, 2006 --- In what proved to be a spirited match between two nationally-ranked teams, the Clayton State Laker women’s tennis dropped a tough 6-3 decision against Erskine on Friday at Laker Courts. Both teams came into the match nationally-ranked – Erskine ranked 23rd in Division II, while Clayton State is ranked 29th.

The Lakers won twice in singles and once in doubles, and all the matches were tight.

Julia Chergova won at No. 1 singles for the Lakers with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Erskine’s Jennifer Gennaoui, while Agnieszka Kozakow defeated the Fleet’s Julie Mages 6-4, 6-4 at No. 3 singles.

Three of the Laker singles defeats went three sets. Veronika Jasenovcova dropped a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 decision to Ellen Dawson from Erskine at No. 2, while Elena Bondari fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to the Fleet’s Chrissy Taylor at No. 4 and Lilia Tzvetanova dropped a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 decision against Erskine’s Jenna Tudor. In addition, the Lakers’ Maria Larson dropped a 6-4, 7-5 decision against the Fleet’s Kacie Knox.

In doubles, the team of Kozakow and Chergova defeated Dawson and Mages 8-5 at No. 1 doubles. However, Bondari and Larson fell at No. 2 and Jasenovcova and Tzvetanova were defeated at No. 3.

Clayton State (4-11) travels on Saturday for a 2 p.m. match at Peach Belt Conference rival Francis Marion.

ERSKINE 6, CLAYTON STATE 3
Singles:
1. Julia Chergova (CS) d. Jennifer Gennaoui 6-3, 6-2
2. Ellen Dawson (E) d. Veronika Jasenovcova 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
3. Agnieszka Kozakow (CS) d. Julie Mages 6-4, 6-4
4. Chrissy Taylor (E) d. Elena Bondari 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
5. Kacie Knox (E) d. Maria Larson 6-4, 7-5
6. Jenna Tudor (E) d. Lilia Tzvetanova 7-6, 3-6, 6-3
Doubles:
1. Chergova/Kozakow (CS) d. Dawson/Mages 8-5
2. Gennaoui/Knox (E) d. Bondari/Larsen 8-5
3. Taylor/Tudor (E) d. Jasenovcova/Tzvetanova 8-5

Lakers drop 5-4 squeaker at Berry
Chergova, Larsen, Tzvetanova each prevail in singles

MT. BERRY, Ga. --- MARCH 29, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker women’s tennis team took one on the chin on Wednesday, dropping a tough 5-4 nail-bitter at Berry. The defeat drops Clayton State, ranked 29th in the most recent Division II Top 40 national poll, to 4-10 overall on the season.

Clayton State prevailed in three singles matches and one doubles match. Julia Chergova prevailed at No. 1 singles with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Berry’s Kristin Hunter, while Maria Larsen won at No. 5 singles, defeating Berry’s Valentine Eberhardt in a thrilling 5-7, 7-5, 10-8 three-setter. In addition, Lilia Tzvetanova was victorious at No. 6 with a straight-set 6-0, 6-0 victory over Berry’s Kristen Whaley.

In doubles, the team of Tzvetanova and Elena Bondari won at No. 3 with a thrilling 9-8 victory over the Berry team of Eberhardt and Whaley.

In other matches for the Lakers, Veronika Jasenovcova dropped a 7-5, 6-2 decision against Berry’s Patricia Llaguno at No. 2 singles, while Agnieszka Kozakow fell 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 singles to Marine Eberhardt from Berry. At No. 4 singles, Bondari dropped a 6-3, 6-3 decision against Berry’s Anja Chan.

Chergova and Kozakow fell 8-4 against Berry’s Hunter and Llaguno at No. 1 doubles, while Jasenovcova and Larsen dropped an 8-3 decision against the Berry team of Marine Eberhardt and Chan at No. 2 doubles.

Clayton State returns to Laker Courts on Friday for a 2 p.m. showdown against Erksine.

BERRY 5, CLAYTON STATE 4
Singles:
 1. Julia Chergova (CS) def. Kristin Hunter 6-3, 6-4
2. Patricia Llaguno (B) def. Veronika Jasenovcova 7-5, 6-2
3. Marine Eberhardt (B) def. Agnieszka Kozakow 6-3, 6-4
4. Anja Chan (B) def. Elena Bondari 6-3, 6-3
5. Maria Larsen (CS) def. Valentine Eberhardt 5-7,7-5, 10-8
6. Lilia Tzvetanova (CS) def. Kristen Whaley 6-0, 6-0
Doubles:
 1. Hunter/Llaguno (B) def. Chergova/Kozakow 8-4
2. M. Eberhardt/Chan (B) def. Jasenovcova/Larsen 8-3
3. Bondari/Tzvetanova (CS) def. V. Eberhardt/Whaley 9-8

Clayton State Tennis Earns Peach Belt Split

MORROW, GA -- March 26, 2006 -- Clayton State University's women's tennis team came away with a weekend split against Peach Belt Conference opponents. In Augusta on Friday, the Laker women earned a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Augusta State, but came up on the short end of a 5-4 decision at home against UNC Pembroke on Sunday.

In both matches, sophomore Julia Chergova led Clayton State at No. 1 singles play with a 6-0, 6-2 decision over Nathalia Rodrigues from Augusta State on Friday and defeated Pembroke's' Stacey Wood 6-1, 6-1 on Sunday. Also earning victories in both matches was sophomore Elena Bondari at No. 5 singles and freshman Maria Larsen at No. 6 singles. Sunday's loss drops the Lakers to 1-5 in the Peach Belt and 4-9 overall.

Clayton State resumes play on Wednesday with a 2 p.m. match against Berry College in Rome.

16th-ranked Clayton State women tennis 
falls to #14 GC&SU 6-3 Sun.  

Morrow, GA – February 26, 2006 --- The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team fell on Sunday to Peach Belt Conference rival and 14th-ranked GC&SU 6-3 at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

Clayton State trailed 2-1 after doubles and was only able to pick two wins in singles. The match was a bit closer than the score indicates in that the Lakers fell in two close matches at both the top singles and doubles seeds.   

The lone win in doubles was by the second seed of Elena Bondari and Maria Larsen, as they defeated GC&SU’s Sofia Intriago and Gabby Acuna 8-5. 

In singles, Bondari won 7-5 and 6-3 over Acuna at the fifth seed and Larsen prevailed 10-7 in a third set super tiebreaker to win at the sixth seed. She lost 7-6 in the first set before coming back to win 6-3 in the second. 

Julia Chergova lost a battle at the top singles seed 10-6 in a third set tiebreaker. She won the first set 6-0 before falling 7-5 in the second. Chergova and Agnes Kozakow were edged 8-6 in the No. 1 doubles match. 

The loss drops Clayton State to 1-4 on the season and 0-3 in Peach Belt play. The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to play against Emory in a 2:30 p.m. match.  

#14 GC&SU 6, #16 Clayton State 3
Singles
No. 1 – Anna Shchupak (GCSU) d. Julia Chergova (CSU) 6-0; 5-7; (10-6)
No. 2 – Celine Martin (GCSU) def. Veronika Jasenovcova (CSU) 6-1; 6-1
No. 3 – Anna Davidsson (GCSU) def. Agnes Kozakow (CSU) 6-1; 6-2
No. 4 – Sofia Intriago (GCSU) def. Daniela Petkova (CSU) 6-1; 6-2
No. 5 – Elena Bondari (CSU) def. Gabby Acuna (GCSU) 7-5; 6-3
No. 6 – Maria Larsen (CSU) def. Jessica McKnight (GCSU) 6-7; 6-3; (10-7)
Doubles
No. 1 – Shchupak / Martin (GCSU) def. Chergova / Kozakow (CSU) 8-6
No. 2 –  Bondari / Larsen (CSU) def. Intriago / Acuna (GCSU) 8-5
No. 3 – Davidsson/ McKnight (GCSU) def. Petkova /Jasenovcova (CSU) 8-3

16th-ranked Clayton State women tennis 
falls to #14 GC&SU 6-3 Sun.  

Morrow, GA – February 26, 2006 --- The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team fell on Sunday to Peach Belt Conference rival and 14th-ranked GC&SU 6-3 at the Clayton State Tennis Complex.  

Clayton State trailed 2-1 after doubles and was only able to pick two wins in singles. The match was a bit closer than the score indicates in that the Lakers fell in two close matches at both the top singles and doubles seeds.   

The lone win in doubles was by the second seed of Elena Bondari and Maria Larsen, as they defeated GC&SU’s Sofia Intriago and Gabby Acuna 8-5. 

In singles, Bondari won 7-5 and 6-3 over Acuna at the fifth seed and Larsen prevailed 10-7 in a third set super tiebreaker to win at the sixth seed. She lost 7-6 in the first set before coming back to win 6-3 in the second. 

Julia Chergova lost a battle at the top singles seed 10-6 in a third set tiebreaker. She won the first set 6-0 before falling 7-5 in the second. Chergova and Agnes Kozakow were edged 8-6 in the No. 1 doubles match. 

The loss drops Clayton State to 1-4 on the season and 0-3 in Peach Belt play. The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to play against Emory in a 2:30 p.m. match.  

#14 GC&SU 6, #16 Clayton State 3
Singles
No. 1 – Anna Shchupak (GCSU) d. Julia Chergova (CSU) 6-0; 5-7; (10-6)
No. 2 – Celine Martin (GCSU) def. Veronika Jasenovcova (CSU) 6-1; 6-1
No. 3 – Anna Davidsson (GCSU) def. Agnes Kozakow (CSU) 6-1; 6-2
No. 4 – Sofia Intriago (GCSU) def. Daniela Petkova (CSU) 6-1; 6-2
No. 5 – Elena Bondari (CSU) def. Gabby Acuna (GCSU) 7-5; 6-3
No. 6 – Maria Larsen (CSU) def. Jessica McKnight (GCSU) 6-7; 6-3; (10-7)
Doubles
No. 1 – Shchupak / Martin (GCSU) def. Chergova / Kozakow (CSU) 8-6
No. 2 –  Bondari / Larsen (CSU) def. Intriago / Acuna (GCSU) 8-5
No. 3 – Davidsson/ McKnight (GCSU) def. Petkova /Jasenovcova (CSU) 8-3

#16 Clayton State falls to #11 USC Upstate; 
to host GC&SU Sun. 

Spartanburg, SC –The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team dropped its third match of the season on Friday, falling 7-2 at 11th-ranked USC Upstate in Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis action at the USC Upstate Tennis Complex. 

Clayton State’s Daniela Petkova, playing at the third seed, won her singles match 7-6 and 6-4 over Zarah DeSilva, while the Lakers’ top-seeded doubles team of Julia Chergova and Agnes Kozakow won its match over Diana Martinez and DeSilva 8-6. 

The loss drops Clayton State to 1-3 on the season. Clayton State will return to action on Sunday, hosting GC&SU in a 1 p.m. match at the Clayton State tennis Complex.

USC Upstate 7, Clayton State 2
Singles
#1 Anna Novo (Upstate) def. Julia Chergova; 6-2, 6-2
#2  Daniela Lovera (Upstate) def. Veronika Jasenovcova; 6-4, 3-6 (10-7)
#3  Daniela Petkova (Clayton) def. Zarah DeSilva; 7-6, 6-4
#4  Susana Hernandez (Upstate) def. Agnieszka Kozakow; 6-1, 6-2
#5  Diana Martinez (Upstate) def. Elena Bondari; 6-1, 6-4
#6  Maria Herrera (Upstate) def. Maria Larsen; 6-1, 6-2 
Doubles
#1  Chergova/Kozakow (Clayton) def. Martinez/DeSilva; 8-6
#2  Lovera/Hernandez (Upstate) def. Bondari/Larsen; 8-2
#3  Novo/Herrera (Upstate) def. Petkova/Jasenovcova; 8-1

16th-ranked Clayton State women falls to NCAA D-I Kennesaw State 5-4  

Morrow, GA – February 17, 2006 --- The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team lost a close one Friday, falling to north metro Atlanta school and NCAA Division I opponent Kennesaw State at Clayton State tennis complex.

 The loss drops Clayton State to 1-2 on the season. The Lakers will return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Barton College. Clayton State won two of the first three doubles matches before dropping four of the six singles matches. 

Clayton State’s No. 2 doubles seed of Elena Bondari and Maria Larsen defeated Karen Ammann and Jessica Fischetti 8-5, while third-seeded Daniela Petkova and Veronika Jasenovcova blanked Ashley Schumacher and Caroline Page 8-0. The top-seeded team of Julia Chergova and Agnes Kozakow fell 8-6.

 In singles, Chergova won 6-2 and 6-0 at the top seed to remain undefeated on the season, while fifth-seeded Petkova came back to win 2-6, 6-4 and 6-0 at the fifth seed. Jasenovcova lost 6-2 and 6-4 at the second seed and Kozakow fell 6-0 and 6-3 at the third seed. Fourth-seeded Bondari lost 6-4 and 6-2 and Larsen fell 7-5 and 7-5 at the sixth seed. 

Kennesaw State 5, Clayton State 4
Singles
No. 1 – Julia Chergova (CSU) def. Karen Ammann (KSU) 6-2; 6-0
No. 2 – Paula Takara (KSU) def. Veronika Jasenovcova (CSU) 6-2; 6-4
No. 3 – Jessica Fishette (KSU) def. Agnes Kozakow (CSU) 6-0; 6-3
No. 4 – Giselle Nakakura (KSU) def. Elena Bondari (CSU) 6-4; 6-2
No. 5 – Daniela Petkova (CSU) def. Caroline Page (KSU) 2-6, 6-4, 6-0
No. 6 – Mercedes Cobos (KSU) def. Maria Larsen (CSU) 7-5; 7-5
Doubles
No. 1 – Takara / Nakakura (KSU) def. Chergova / Kozakow (CSU) 8-6
No. 2 –  Bondari / Larsen (CSU) def. Ammann / Fishette (KSU) 8-5
No. 3 – Petkova /Jasenovcova (CSU) def. Schmuacher / Page (KSU) 8-0

#28 USC Aiken Upsets #16 Clayton State 6-3 in women’s tennis

AIKEN, S.C.—The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team dropped its first match of the season Friday, falling 6-3 to 28th-ranked USC Aiken in Peach Belt Conference women’s tennis action.

After winning two of the three doubles matches, Clayton State won only one of the singles matches. The loss drops Clayton State to 1-1 on the year, while USC Aiken improves moves to 3-1 on the season. 

In doubles, top-seeded Julia Chergova and Agnes Kozakow won 8-2, while third-seeded Elena Bondari and Daniela Petkova prevailed 8-6. In singles, top-seeded Chergova captured the lone victory 6-1 and 6-0. Fourth seeded Petkova fell in the match of the day 10-7 in a third set tiebreaker. She lost in the first set 6-4 but came back to force the tiebreaker, winning the second set 6-4.  

Clayton State will host Valdosta State in a 2 p.m. match on Monday. The Lakers were scheduled to have faced Augusta State on Saturday but the match was postponed due to the weather.
 
USC AIKEN defeats CLAYTON STATE 6-3

Singles:
1. Chergova (Clayton State) def. Copp (USCA) 6-1, 6-0
2. Cassetori (USCA) def. Kozakow (Clayton State) 7-5, 6-2
3. Bastos (USCA) def. Jasenovcova (Clayton State) 6-2, 6-3
4. Kaefer (USCA) def. Petkova (Clayton State) 6-4, 4-6, 10-7
5. Toth (USCA) def. Larsen (Clayton State) 6-0, 6-1
6. Cannic (USCA) def. Bondari (Clayton State) 6-2, 6-2

Doubles:
1. Chergova/Kozakow (Clayton State) def. Copp/Bastos (USCA) 8-2
2. Cassestori/Kaefer (USCA) def. Larsen/Jasenovcova (Clayton State) 8-2
3. Petkova/Bondari (Clayton State) def. Toth/Cannic (USCA) 8-6

16th-ranked Clayton State women tennis team opens season with 8-1 win  
Morrow, GA – February 2, 2006 --- The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team opened its season, slamming non-conference opponent Limestone College 8-1 in NCAA Division II tennis action Wednesday. 

The Lakers swept through the doubles and won five-of-six single matches for the victory. Clayton State will return to action on Friday, February 10, opening its Peach Belt Conference schedule at USC Aiken. 

In doubles, top-seeded Julia Chergova and Agnes Kozakow won 8-3 over Alexandra Gade and Jennifer Snaider. The second-seeded team of Daniela Petkova and Veronika Jasenovcova won 8-2 over Jessie Griffin and Melanie Kragl, while the third-seeded team of Elena Bondari and Lilia Tzvetanova defeated Nicole Piazza and Lee Cribb 8-5. 

In singles, the Chergova won 6-1 and 6-3 over Gade, while third-seeded Kozakow prevailed in a third set super tiebreaker 10-8 after winning the first set 7-5. She fell in the second set 6-3. 

Fourth-seeded Petkova won 6-1 and 6-3, while Bondari dropped only one game at the fifth seed, winning 6-0 and 6-1. Sixth-seeded Larsen came back to defeat Piazza 6-1 and 10-5 after dropping the first set 7-5. Second-seeded Jasenovcova dropped the only match of the day, falling 6-1 and 6-4 to Snaider.

Clayton State 8, Limestone 1
Singles
 No. 1 – Julia Chergova  (CSU) def. Alexandra Gade (LC) 6-1; 6-3
No. 2 – Jennifer Snaider (LU) def. Veronika Jasenovcova (CSU) 6-1; 6-4
No. 3 – Agnes Kozakow (CSU) def. Melanie Kragl (LC) 7-5; 3-6; 10-8
No. 4 – Daniela Petkova (CSU) def. Jessie Griffin (LC) 6-1; 6-3
No. 5 – Elena Bondari (CSU) def. Lee Cribb (LC) 6-0; 6-1
No. 6 – Maria Larsen (CSU) def. Nicole Piazza (LC) 5-7; 6-1; (10-5 )
 Doubles
No. 1 – Chergova / Kozakow (CSU) def. Gade / Snaider (LC) 8-3
No. 2 –  Petkova / Jasenovcova (CSU) def. Kragl / Cribb (LC) 8-2
No. 3 – Bondari /Lilia Tzvetanova (CSU) def. Piazza / Cribb (LC) 8-5

16th-ranked Clayton State women tennis set to open season Wednesday  

Morrow, GA – January 31, 2006 --- The 16th-ranked Clayton State women’s tennis team will open its 2006 season Wednesday, squaring off against non-conference foe Limestone in a NCAA Division II match.

 The season-opener will begin at 2 p.m. at the Clayton State Tennis Complex and admission is free. 

Clayton State returns four players off last year’s 12-9 team that advanced for the fourth time in five years to the NCAA Division II National Championships. The top returnee for the club will be sophomore Julia Chergova (Sofia, Bulgaria), who was named an ITA All-America in doubles. 

In addition, junior Daniela Petkova (Boucherville, Quebec) and sophomores Elena Bondari (Chisinau, Moldova) and Lila Tzvetanova (Sofia, Bulgaria) also return for the 2006 season. The Lakers have a trio of talented freshmen joining the club in in Veronika Jasenovcova (Hruby Sur, Slovakia), Agnieszka Kozakow (Gdynia, Poland) and Maria Larsen (Vordingborg, Denmark). 

After Wednesday’s match, the Lakers will open their Peach Belt Conference schedule, traveling to face USC Aiken on Friday, February 10th.

Clayton State women tennis ranked 16th in Fall Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll  

Morrow, GA – December 6, 2005 --- The Clayton State women’s tennis team is preparing for the 2006 season, and if the preseason rankings are accurate, it should be a fine season for Clayton State tennis fans. 

The Lakers were picked 16th in the nation in Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll released earlier this fall. The Lakers are one of seven Peach Belt Conference teams that are ranked among the top-40 teams in the nation. 

Defending national champion Armstrong Atlantic State is ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll, while Columbus State is sixth. USC Upstate is 11th, followed by GC&SU at 14th and Clayton State 16th. USC Aiken and Francis Marion are ranked 28th and 36th, respectively. 

Clayton State finished last season with 12-9 record and advanced for the fourth time out of five years to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. 

Clayton State will open its regular season on Wednesday, February 1, hosting Limestone College in a 2 p.m. match.  

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Clayton State women’s tennis opens fall season with top finishes at College of Charleston Invitational 

Charleston, SC --- September 19, 2005 --- The Clayton State University women’s tennis team opened its fall schedule over the weekend and had several players bring home top finishes at the College of Charleston Women’s Tennis Invitational in Charleston, SC.  

Playing in a field of NCAA Division I teams, junior Daniela Petkova had the top finish, placing fifth in the third level draw. Petkova went 2-1 in the event, beating an opponent from East Carolina 6-1 and 6-4 in the fifth place match.  

Sophomore Julia Chergova placed sixth in the tournament’s top draw. She went 2-2 in individual play, winning her opening and third match of the event. She defeated two players from College of Charleston.  

Sophomore Elena Bondari placed seventh in the middle draw, going 1-2 in the tournament. She defeated a player from College of Charleston 6-1 and 6-0 in the seventh place match. Sophomore Julia Gandia finished 11th in the top draw going 1-3 in the tournament with a win over a player from College of Charleston.  

In doubles, the team of Gandia and Chergova advanced to the finals in the top draw, falling to a team from South Carolina State in the finals 8-6. The duo won two matches in the draw. Bondari and Petkova went 1-1 in the third level draw beating a team from Davidson 8-4 before falling to 9-7 in the next round.            

Clayton State will return to action on Sept. 30 for the ITA Mid-Atlantic Regionals in Savannah, GA.

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