Clarke picks up a win but Blazers lose

Bahamian tennis sensation Sydney Clarke was victorious on Friday afternoon, winning her singles match when the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers faced the nationally number six ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a dual at the Ken Byers Tennis Complex, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overall, Clarke and the Blazers lost the dual 5-2, but the Bahamian was one of only two Blazers to record a victory.

Clarke picked up her first spring season victory against the Yellow Jackets’ Monika Dedaj, winning 7-6(10) and 6-4.

“I felt like I played much better. I watched my match against Alabama last week and saw where I fell down and I just maximized my strengths more,” said Clarke. “Instead of settling for average shots, I played out of my comfort zone and played tougher. Mentally, I stuck in the game, especially at the pressure points. I did not fold up under the pressure. I faced it and pushed myself. Even if I had lost, I still would have been satisfied because I know that I learnt and improved.

“The win was not easy. My opponent was very fierce and bold. She is a very solid player. At the beginning of the match, I had a very hard time finding my way and trying to keep up because she was always aggressively on me. We play similar game styles, so it was very hard for me to adapt at first and then I figured it out. Even when I was up, she still gave me a hard time and she never gave it to me. I had to fight.”

In doubles, it was a difficult match for the freshman and her partner Analisa Smith as they fell 6-2 to the Yellow Jackets’ team of Ava Hrastar and Dedaj. Clarke said they are still figuring out strategies and being on the same accord in doubles. She admits she gets a little antsy and frustrated but feels they need to believe in themselves more and focus on every point.

Clarke and the Blazers return to action today in a home dual, looking for their first win of the season. They will take on the University of Louisiana at Munroe (ULM) Warhawks at the George Ward Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

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