SE Sports
Matt Thomas, Sports Information Director
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Southeastern scored its first ever win at the National Finals on Wednesday when the Savage Storm downed New York Institute of Technology 5-2 in the round of 16 at Altamonte Springs, Fla.
The win moves SE to 21-2 overall on the year and sets them up for a national quarterfinal appearance at 9 a.m (Eastern Time) on May 11 against either St. Mary’s or Hawaii Pacific.
The Storm came out of doubles with a 2-1 advantage, with the duo of Maria Martinez and Luisa Auffarth cruising to an 8-1 victory at three doubles to score the match’s first point.
Anna Buiukian and Samantha Coquinos followed suit with an 8-4 win at number two to make the edge 2-0, but an NYIT win at the one spot would leave the SE lead at 2-1.
Auffarth struck first in singles play by downing Rosa LaCorte by scores of 6-0, 6-0 at the six position, giving the Storm a 3-1 lead.
Martinez finished hot on her heels to put SE in front 4-1 with a 6-0, 6-1 win at number five over Antonella Lopez.
NYIT responded with a win at number four where Darija Catipovic fell in straight sets to Paulina Velasquez.
Buiukian would clinch the first round matchup with a 6-4, 6-2 victory at number two over Karolina Pondusova.