ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Top-seeded Barry defeated #4 Columbus State 4-0 in the semifinals of the 2019 NCAA Division II National Tournament at Sanlando Park on Friday.
The win propels the Bucs back to the national championship match for the third straight year and the seventh time overall.
For the second time at the nationals, the Bucs polished off their opponent in less than two hours. Barry won the doubles point by winning at No. 2 and No. 3, then clinched it by winning No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 singles.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: #1 Barry 4, #4 Columbus State 0
Records: Barry 25-2, Columbus State 26-5
DOUBLES:
- Jil Engelmann/Eleonore Barrere (Barry) vs. Noa Davico/Luise Sachs (CSU); 4-4, unfinished
- Verena Schmid/Zuza Maciejewska (Barry) def. Natalia Kattah/Candice Paya (CSU) 6-0
- Carolin Schmidt/Julie Razafindranaly (Barry) def. Beatriz Lopez/Clara Audap (CSU) 6-3
SINGLES:
- Carolin Schmidt (Barry) def. Beatriz Lopez (CSU); 6-1, 6-2
- Verena Schmid (Barry) vs. Cadice Paya (CSU); 6-2, 2-2, unfinished
- Jil Engelmann (Barry) def. Luise Sachs (CSU) 6-1, 6-1
- Zuza Maciejewska (Barry) def. Noa Davico (CSU); 6-3, 6-0
- Julie Razafindranaly (Barry) vs. Natalia Kattah (CSU) 6-1, 4-3, unfinished
- Eleonore Barrere (Barry) vs. Clara Audap (CSU) 7-5, 4-2, unfinished
NOTEWORTHY:
- The Cougars had star player Lopez back for this match, after missing the regular season matchup. But it did not help as the Bucs won against her at number three doubles and at number one singles.
- The Buccaneers will face Sunshine State Conference rival Lynn for the championship, after the Knights defeated Indianapolis 4-0 in the other semifinal.
- Lynn defeated Barry 5-2 in the regular season, snapping the Bucs 69-match winning streak. Barry operated without senior star Verena Schmid who has now returned to the lineup.
- The win for the Bucs was their 79th in the NCAA Tournament, the second-most among active schools. Lynn has 84.
ON THE HORIZON:
Barry will play #3 Lynn on Saturday for the championship at 9:00 am.
