Alejandra Hernandez and Samara Paldinho both rallied from one-set deficits to post singles wins as University of Mount Olive defeated Chowan University 6-3 in non-conference women's tennis Thursday at Walker Tennis Center. The Trojans won the final four singles matches to rally for the win.
Mount Olive (5-1) led 2-1 after doubles play as Hernandez teamed with Maite Belloso for an 8-2 win at No. 2 doubles and Paldinho combined with Paulina Delgado for an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles. Chowan posted wins at No. 1 and No. 3 singles to take a 3-2 lead.
Hernandez dropped the opening set 6-4 at No. 2 singles before coming back with 7-6 and 7-5 wins to even the dual match. Paldinho fell 6-3 in the first set at No. 4 singles, but bounced back with 6-2 wins in the next two sets. Belloso and Delgado clinched the team victory with straight-set wins. Delgado lost only one game at No. 6 singles.
The Trojans open Conference Carolinas play this weekend with a pair of Conference Carolinas matches at Walker Tennis Center. Mount Olive plays host to Erskine Saturday and King Sunday.