SURPRISE, SURPRISE: Nighthawks Punch Ticket to Arizona

4/29/2018 | Women’s Tennis | Box Score

WINGATE, N.C. – For the first time in program history, the No. 27 University of North Georgia women’s tennis team will be headed to the NCAA Sweet 16 in Surprise, Arizona, after upsetting No. 15 Wingate, 5-2, Sunday afternoon.

After dropping the first match of the day in doubles, the Nighthawks took the early 2-1 advantage with wins by Vaishali Jorge and Lexa Loden at No. 2 doubles before a 9-8 tiebreak win for Felicia Baratta and Holly Bennett at the top flight.

From there, the Nighthawks dominated the singles scene. Adrienne Bofinger, fresh off of the match-winning point in the first round, cruised past her opponent, 6-0, 6-1, at No. 2 singles. Bennett captured the fourth point for UNG, winning in straight sets at No. 3, setting the stage for Jorge to win at No. 4 singles to send North Georgia forward in the tournament.

This is the first time a North Georgia tennis team has advanced past the regional round.

From here, the Nighthawks will travel to Surprise, Arizona, for the NCAA Championships. The remaining 16 teams will be put into a new bracket with the top four teams seeded and the remaining 12 put into the bracket via a blind draw.