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Helena Jokanovic, courtesy of Bob stoner
Helena Jokanovic, courtesy of Bob stoner
Posted: Mar 18, 2025

Thompson's Comeback Win Clinches Victory for Lady Koala Tennis

Video Box Score
Team Stats
Doubles
  • Ainhoa Ordonez / Chiharu Ito def. Aniya Sims / Helena Jokanovic 7-6, 7-5
  • Clara Roman / Annika Rojas def. Natalia Diaz / Rachel Thompson 6-4
  • Vienne Geren / Joye Tate def. No Player / No player 0-0
Singles
  • Chiharu Ito def. Natalia Diaz 6-1, 6-0, 0-0
  • Helena Jokanovic def. Ainhoa Ordonez 7-6, 7-3, 6-3
  • Clara Roman def. Vienne Geren 6-2, 6-0, 0-0
  • Aniya Sims def. Annika Rojas 6-3, 1-6, 6-4
  • Rachel Thompson def. Ali Zakariasen 6-1, 5-7, 7-5
  • Camryn McCutchen def. No Player 0-0, 0-0, 0-0

COLUMBIA, S.C.— In a thrilling home match, the Columbia College women's tennis team defeated visiting Montreat College 4-3 after a fierce battle at the Koala Courts Tuesday afternoon.

Montreat had an early advantage in doubles, winning two of the three bouts. Montreat defeated Natalia Diaz and Rachel Thompson 6-4 at the #2 doubles while senior Helena Jokanovic and junior Aniya Sims put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell 7-6 in a 7-5 tiebreaker. However, they were still within striking distance trailing just 1-0 after doubles.

The Koalas responded impressively in singles play. In a decisive #2 match, Jokanovic defeated her foe 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 after being down 0-5, but fought back for the huge win. In a three-set fight, Sims persevered and defeated her opponent 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 at #4 singles. Then, in an exciting marathon, Thompson clinched the match win with her thrilling 6-1, 5-7, 7-5 comeback victory. The Columbia College team won 4-3 with another victory by default at the 6 spot with Camryn McCutchen claiming that.

The women improve to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in the conference while the Lady Cavs fall to 1-10 (1-4 AAC). 

Columbia returns to action on the road Saturday at Milligan, TN at 1 PM.