PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – James Madison women's tennis came back from a 3-1 deficit at Temple to win 4-3 on Friday evening. The Dukes, now 6-2 this spring, are off to their best start since a 6-2 start in 2011-12.
The Owls took the doubles point 2-1, clinched by a 7-6(5) decision at the No. 3 position. The Dukes won four of six singles matches, capped by a come-from-behind three-setter at No. 6 singles.
Junior Dylan Owens secured match point in a full-set victory over Marian Bedon at No. 6 singles. Falling behind 6-2 in set one, she pulled off a 6-3 win in set two before taking set three 6-2 to seal the team win. Owens has won 10 straight singles matches dating back to the fall tournament season.
Senior Timea Guibe got the Dukes on the board with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Alina Abdurakhimova at No. 1 singles. Guibe went 2-0 on the day, posting a 6-2 doubles victory at No. 1 alongside junior Kimmy Herrock.
Sophomore Emma Petersensnapped a two-match stretch of losses with a two-set (6-2, 7-5) triumph over Yana Khon at No. 3 singles. Freshman Jona Rokagave JMU its first tie score of the day with a two-set success (6-4, 6-2) at No. 5 singles.
This is the Dukes' third 4-3 victory in eight duals this spring. Of those wins, two have come with winning a majority of singles points.
QUOTING HEAD COACH JAMES BRYCE
"Tonight was all about the maturity of this team. We played in a hostile environment and showed how resilient we are. Battling back after losing the doubles point is always an uphill challenge, but I am very proud of our efforts. We need to rest up tonight to be ready for another tough match tomorrow."
UP NEXT
JMU opens Colonial Athletic Association action on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. against Delaware. The Dukes have won the last five meetings with the Blue Hens.