Hourigan, Jones Fall in NCAA Quarterfinal Heartbreaker

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Georgia Tech’s No. 1-ranked doubles team of Paige Hourigan and Kenya Jones had their comeback bid fall short in a heartbreaking three-setter, dropping a 6-4, 1-6, 10-7 match to No. 33 Sara Daavettila and Alle Sanford of North Carolina in the NCAA Doubles Championship quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon.

After a lengthy weather delay, the first-ranked Yellow Jackets finally took the court, falling in a close first set, 6-4. Hourigan and Jones then struck back against the Tar Heels, taking the second set 6-1 to force a third. Due to more inclement weather, the match was moved indoors.

In the penultimate set, Tech and North Carolina seesawed back and forth before finally taking a break point. The Yellow Jackets fell 10-7.

The tandem of Hourigan and Jones spent three weeks as the No. 1 ranked duo in the country and were ranked among the top five all season. Entering the NCAA Tournament as the top-seeded duo, the two finish the year with a 27-8 overall record from the No. 1 position, including a blistering 18-5 in dual play. When facing ACC foes, the Jacket pair went 8-3 to lead Tech.

Against nationally ranked foes, the team went 11-5 this season, including a 9-1 record to close out the year.

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