Rebels Come Up Short in SEC Battle

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 32 Ole Miss Rebels women’s tennis team suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against No. 17 South Carolina on Saturday afternoon at the Carolina Tennis Center. Despite a strong start and a determined comeback, Ole Miss couldn’t overcome a resilient Gamecocks squad.

Marathon Match Decides the Outcome

The match ultimately hinged on a grueling contest at court four, where Ole Miss’s Andrea Nova faced Taylor Goetz. The two players battled through a marathon match, splitting the first two sets 7-5 each.

In the third set, Nova would get out in front 4-3 through the first seven game points. Though, Goetz responded by outscoring Nova 4-1 through the next five game points to win the final set, 7-5, thwarting the Ole Miss comeback. Ole Miss Sports

Early Lead and Gamecock Response

Ole Miss secured the doubles point, taking an early 1-0 lead. However, South Carolina responded strongly in singles play. A retirement from Owen Wilkinson due to injury leveled the score at 1-1. The Gamecocks then took the lead, winning two additional singles matches to establish a 3-1 advantage.

Rebel Resilience and Comeback Attempt

The Rebels refused to concede, mounting a spirited comeback. Brooklyn Olson secured a victory over Sara Borkop with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. Freshman Riley Crowder added another point for Ole Miss, winning a thrilling three-set tiebreaker against Jane Dunyon, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), tying the match at 3-3.

Looking Ahead

Ole Miss (6-3, 1-2 SEC) will return home to face No. 13 Auburn at the Palmer Salloum Outdoor Tennis Center on Thursday, March 5, at 4 p.m.

Match Results

Doubles

• Helena Buchwald/Lauren Friedman (SC) def. Emily Welker/Andrea Nova (OM) 6-1
• Alice Soulie/Riley Crowder (OM) def. Jane Dunyon/Kaitlyn Carnicella (SC) 6-4
• Brooklyn Olson/Beatrice Stagno (OM) def. Sara Borkop/Jana Stojanova (SC) 7-5

Singles

• Kaitlyn Carnicella (SC) def. Emily Welker (OM) 6-2, 6-2
• Helena Buchwald (SC) def. Alice Soulie (OM) 6-0, 7-6 (0-4)
• Brooklyn Olson (OM) def. Sara Borkop (SC) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
• Taylor Goetz (SC) def. Andrea Nova (OM) 7-5, 5-7, 7-5
• Riley Crowder (OM) def. Jane Dunyon (SC) 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)
• Jana Stojanova (SC) def. Owen Wilkinson (OM) 6-1, retired

FAQ

What was the final score of the match?

The final score was South Carolina 4, Ole Miss 3.

Who won the deciding match?

Taylor Goetz of South Carolina defeated Andrea Nova of Ole Miss.

When is Ole Miss’s next match?

Ole Miss will play Auburn on Thursday, March 5, at 4 p.m. At the Palmer Salloum Outdoor Tennis Center.