ROME, Ga. — The Averett University women's tennis team's memorable season came to an end in a 5-3 loss to Piedmont University in the USA South Conference championship match Saturday at the Rome Tennis Center.

Averett (14-5), the top seed in the East Division, tried to battle back from a 2-1 deficit after doubles play. Freshman Maxence Lippens picked up a win at No. 1 singles to knot the match. Lippens won 6-3, 6-4.

Piedmont (24-4) picked up another point with a No. 2 singles win before Averett again tied the overall score 3-3 with freshman Keira Gunning's victory at No. 5 where she won 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). The Lions, however, picked up wins at No. 4 and No. 3 to clinch the match and the championship.

Averett's doubles win came at No. 1 with Lippens and freshman Linnea Sjostrom Krook dominating 8-2.

Lippens and Gunning both earned USA South All-Tournament Team honors. 

The loss ended a fantastic season for the Averett women's tennis program in which the Cougars won the East Division regular season title for their first conference title of any kind since 2000. Averett was a perfect 9-0 in conference play during the regular season and advanced to their first conference tournament final in program history under the current tournament format.



 
 
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