Spartans Get Back On Track with 7-0 Blanking of Carthage

Posted: Mar 15, 2023

Orlando, Fla. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Tennis team rebounded from its first loss of the season, with a 7-0 blanking of Carthage College on Wednesday morning, as the Spartans continue their Sunshine State Spring Break trip.

The Spartans claimed the doubles point via a sweep, as Vera Gak Anagrova and Giovanna Jallas beat Giovanna Mendes and Sierra Sonnemaker, 6-1, followed by Paula Palero and Amaia Balaguer Brau shutting down Sasha Manojlovic and Beatriz Ferreira, 6-1 and then Samanta Villegas Robles and Elita Silins besting Xingchen Liu and Giana Apostoli, 6-3.

Samanta Villegas Robles was the first winner in #3 singles, claiming her match via shutout 6-0, 6-0. Amaia Balaguer Brau next won at No. 4 singles by the same score of 6-0, 6-0 to give STAC the 3-0 advantage. The Spartans picked up a win at No. 5 singles, as Giovanna Jallas earned a 6-0, 6-2 victory to clinch the match. Ebba Rosberg (6-3, 6-1), Viktoriia Pavlovets (6-2, 7-5) and Alba Guijo (6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (4)) also earned wins for St. Thomas Aquinas.

Samanta Villegas Robles, Amaia Balaguer Brau and Giovanna Jallas all went 2-0 on the day, winning both their doubles and singles matches.

Note: On Wednesday, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association released its latest Division II Women's Tennis National poll, with St. Thomas Aquinas College holding the #34 position in the rankings.

STAC 7/CARTHAGE 0 - OFFICIAL RESULTS

DOUBLES

1. Samanta Villegas Robles & Elita Silins (STAC) def. Xingchen Liu & Giana Apostoli (CC) 6-3

2. Paula Palero & Amaia Balaguer Brau (STAC) def. Sasha Manojlovic & Beatriz Ferreira (CC) 6-1

3. Vera Gak Anagrova & Giovanna Jallas (STAC) def. Giovanna Mendes & Sierra Sonnemaker (CC) 6-1

Order of Finish: 3, 2*, 1

SINGLES

1. Ebba Rosberg (STAC) def. Xingchen Liu (CC) 6-3, 6-1

2. Viktoriia Pavlovets (STAC) def. Giana Apostoli (CC) 6-2, 7-5

3. Samanta Villegas Robles (STAC) def. Luana da Silva (CC) 6-0, 6-0

4. Amaia Balaguer Brau (STAC) def. Giovanna Mendes (CC) 6-0, 6-0

5. Giovanna Jallas (STAC) def. Sasha Manojlovic (CC) 6-0, 6-2

6. Alba Guijo (STAC) def. Marie Weis (CC) 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (4)

Order of Finish: 3, 4, 5*, 1, 2, 6

Carthage Record: 5-7, 4-4 CCIW

STAC Record: 11-1, 5-0 ECC

THE ROCKHILL REPORT

"This was a total team effort today", stated Coach Dan Rockhill. "I was happy the ladies were able to bounce back, in less than 24 hours, with a convincing win."

"It was great to have Ebba back in the lineup as we are obviously a much better squad with her at the top. I was also pleased with Alba and Gio who looked sharp as well."

"I am excited to play St. Mary’s tomorrow and find out where we are", remarked Rockhill. "They are a fantastic team and these types of matches are a lot of fun to play and coach. I have a feeling that the team will rise to the occasion."

UP NEXT

St. Thomas Aquinas takes on St. Mary's University (TX) on Thursday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m. in Florida.