Royals Sweep Scots to Open Up Spring Season

The Johnson University Royals opened their spring season with a strong performance against the Covenant College Scots in their first match of the year, played indoors at the McCallie Tennis Courts.

 

The Royals took early control by sweeping all three doubles courts to claim the opening point. Marina Lasneaux and Maria Ponce earned a 6–2 win on Court 2, while Francesca Crosa and Isabella Stigall followed with a dominant 6–1 victory on Court 3. Averie Stalnaker and Berkley Clark completed the doubles sweep with a hard-fought 7–5 win on Court 1.

 

Johnson University carried that momentum into singles play, winning all six matches to seal the team victory. At the top of the lineup, Stalnaker battled through three sets on Court 1 for a 6–4, 2–6, 10–7 win in a third-set tiebreaker. Lasneaux picked up a straight-sets win on Court 2, 6–2, 6–3. Crosa continued her strong day with a 6–2, 6–0 victory on Court 3, while Clark cruised to a 6–1, 6–2 win on Court 4. Maria Ponce added a 6–2, 6–2 victory on Court 5, and Kambria Gore capped the match with a decisive 6–0, 6–1 win on Court 6.

 

After the match, Head Coach Hale said, "I thought we played really well today and did a great job of finding our identity on every court as the match went on, and that's what led to the result. I'm incredibly proud of "Aves" (Stalnaker) and the way she battled through adversity at the top of the lineup. She stayed mentally poised against a really tough opponent and competed the entire match. We've worked extremely hard throughout the offseason, and this was a great first step. We're excited for what's ahead this season."

 

The Royals will be back on court this Friday, February 13 as they travel to take on Lincoln Memorial University.