NEED TO KNOW:
Piedmont 4, Asbury 3
Record: Piedmont, 18-4 (7-0 CCS); Asbury, 8-6, (5-1 CCS) 
 

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Piedmont women's tennis prevailed 4-3 in a dramatic match against the Asbury Eagles to secure the Lions' 7th consecutive regular season conference title. 

The Lions' raced from the gate with a rapid 6-1 doubles win from Sarah Row and Hattie Sloyan at No. 3, immediately sparking energy into the lineup. Within minutes, freshman duo Ella Kate Canaday and Kaleigh Stallworth bounced back after being down 2-3 at No. 1 doubles, winning four straight games to seize the doubles point and set the Lions up for a 1-0 advantage into singles play. 

The Lions were determined to give their all in singles, as the last time the Lions faced the Eagles, Asbury defeated Piedmont in the 2025 CCS Championship match. 

At No. 1, Stallworth put up a valiant effort against the reigning CCS Rookie of the Year, Katherine Nova, who came out triumphant 6-1, 6-2 , tying the score 1-1. One court over, Canaday battled the reigning CCS Player of the Year at No. 2, who eked out the win at 6-4, 6-4 to drop the Lions to a 2-1 deficit. 

Sophomore Caroline Morrison would set the tone for the Lions at No. 3 as she cruised through her first set 6-1. Although Morrison dropped the second set 4-6, she put the pedal to the medal in a competitive full third set to win 7-5, tying the overall match score at 2-2. 

Simultaneously, Sloyan fought back after losing her first set 2-6, winning three games in a row before taking the second set 6-3 to force another full third set. Senior Jordan Ballard breezed to 6-1, 6-4 at No. 5, giving the Lions a 3-2 edge and marking her 100th career combined singles and doubles win. 

The Eagles made their next move, stealing a win at No. 4 to tie the overall match score at 3-3 with No. 6 singles determined as the clinching match.

Sophomore Sarah Sanabia took care of business in the first set, winning with confidence. As she entered the second set with the match on the line, Sanabia won six straight games to win 6-2, 6-0 and uphold the Lions' undefeated regular season conference play.

The Lions traveled home victorious on a 2-0 conference play weekend after resilient performances over Maryville and Asbury in singles and doubles, clinching yet another regular season CCS title in the process.

Up next, the Lions travel to Sewanee, Tenn. on April 18 to face No. 29 Sewanee at 10 a.m. and No. 49 Rhodes at 2 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Morrison dueled 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 to a thrilling win at No. 3 singles, bringing life to the Lions' singles lineup late in the match.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Ballard marked her 100th career combined singles and doubles win with a 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 5.
- Sanabia executed 6-2, 6-0 with composure at No. 6 to clinch the Lions' 7th conference win this season.

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