JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Host Jacksonville State captured at least a share of the OVC regular season women’s tennis title with a 5-2 victory over Eastern Kentucky University Saturday afternoon. The Colonels conclude the regular season with a record of 12-15 overall and 5-4 in the OVC.

One of the bright spots for EKU was the performance by freshman Catarina Branco (No. 5). The native of Cascais, Portugal tallied her fourth straight win and fifth in the last six outings with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Ralphaela Lima.

“We’re not too far off from the top OVC teams,” EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. “If we can put it all together, I truly believe we have a real shot of defending our title next weekend.”

Eastern Kentucky will be one of six teams competing in the OVC championships beginning April 16 in Paducah, Ky.

Jacksonville State 5, Eastern Kentucky 2

Singles
1. Viviane Marani (JSU) def. Myriem Mhirit (EKU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Martina Dessbesell (JSU) def. Jessica Albuquerque (EKU) 6-0, 6-2
3. Anouk Faure (EKU) def. Kimberly Ferris (JSU) 6-2, 6-4
4. Rafaela Wenzel (JSU) def. Anais Hamel (EKU) 6-3, 6-3
5. Catarina Branco (EKU) def. Ralphaela Lima (JSU) 7-5, 6-1
6. Julianna Renesto (JSU) def. Esmira Gheisary (EKU) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
1. Dessbesell/Marani (JSU) def. Albuquerque/Hamel (EKU) 8-3
2. Ferris/Lima (JSU) def. Faure/Pagal (EKU) 9-7
3. Branco/Mhirit (EKU) def. Fuller/Wenzel (JSU) 8-6

Match Notes: Eastern Kentucky (12-15, 5-4 OVC); Jacksonville State (12-8, 8-0 OVC)
Order of Finish: Doubles (1, 2, 3); Singles (1, 6, 5, 2*, 3, 4)