Jackson State University’s women’s tennis team advanced to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship after defeating Florida A&M University 4-1 on April 18, with Helen Hernandez clinching the deciding victory.
The result sends Jackson State to its second consecutive SWAC Championship appearance. The team achieved singles victories from senior Isabella Benavides and Victoria Linkovski, in addition to Hernandez’s decisive win. Benavides, recognized as a First Team All-SWAC selection, won her singles match against Sydney Brantley with scores of 6-1 and 6-2. Linkovski, who earned the title of SWAC Newcomer of the Year, defeated Reagan Harris by a scoreline of 6-3 and 6-4.
In doubles play, Hernandez teamed up with Linkovski for a convincing 6-1 win. The pairing of Tiara Alvarez and Daniela Tovar secured another doubles point for Jackson State after overcoming Gabrielle Pierce and Harris with a score of 6-4 at number three doubles.
Jackson State will next face Alabama State University in a rematch of last year’s championship match. The contest is scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m.
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