Alabama State University women's tennis defeated Southern University 4-1 on Sunday at the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center in Montgomery, Alabama. By winning two of three doubles pairings, the group gained an early advantage and maintained control through decisive singles outcomes. This result strengthens their position within SWAC Pod II, part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's format for member institutions.

Doubles Pairings Set Decisive Early Tone

Cleanne Pickel and Alexia Campagna of Alabama State University overcame LaTesha Grant and Kai Wince of Southern University. Kesmat El Tawil and Senna Van Den Heuvel also prevailed against Samara Onwuteaka and Tshegofatso Tsiang. Decora Antoine and Shahd Habib of Southern University defeated Jovana Petrovic and Melisa Mekic, but the two Alabama State wins delivered the crucial opening point.

Such pairings in collegiate tennis emphasize teamwork and strategic positioning, core elements that distinguish university-level play. At historically Black colleges and universities like Alabama State and Southern, these events reinforce community ties and student engagement beyond the classroom.

Singles Deliver Confirming Wins

Melisa Mekic defeated Kai Wince. Alexia Campagna won by default over Shahd Habib. Senna Van Den Heuvel overcame Decora Antoine. LaTesha Grant defeated Jovana Petrovic, while Kesmat El Tawil's encounter with Tshegofatso Tsiang and Rim Assanhaji's with Samara Onwuteaka remained unfinished.

Three completed singles triumphs provided the necessary margin, highlighting endurance and precision honed through regular training. These contests underscore tennis's value in university settings, where physical conditioning supports overall student well-being and resilience.

Advancement in SWAC Pod II Format

The Southwestern Athletic Conference structures its tennis schedule into pods to enable focused competition among its members, predominantly HBCUs. Alabama State's success over the weekend elevates their standing, signaling consistent progress in this pod.

Facilities like the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center enable such gatherings, fostering regional rivalries and development opportunities. Victories like this contribute to institutional pride and motivate ongoing investment in campus recreation programs.