Lubbock, Texas - Tatum Burger's 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-4 win at #5 singles was the key the Denver Pioneers women's tennis team (6-2, 0-0) needed to upset No. 25 South Carolina 4-3 on Saturday in Lubbock, Texas. The victory marked Denver's biggest in recent history as the Gamecocks finished fifth in the country last season, winning the SEC tournament, making their 25th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and advancing to the Elite Eight. 

"The doubles point was big today, as it is every match, and we got the job done" head coach Christian Bass said. "I am always very impressed with the way South Carolina coaches their doubles teams. We knew we had to play aggressively pushing forward and had to have the willingness to be active. We overcame the adversity of the wind in singles today. Taylor (Melville), Hada (Chang) and Tatum (Burger) handled the big moments well in their singles matches. I am very proud of our girls and hope we continue to build off this win."

Taylor Melville had the Pioneers' highlight individual upset of the match, toppling No. 25 Mia Horvit 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to tie the match 3-3. Denver jumped out to an early lead on the day, taking a 1-0 advantage with doubles victories from Melville/Hada Chang at #1 and Anna Riedmiller/Camille Verden-Anderson at #3. The Gamecocks evened the score 1-1 with a victory at #2 singles, though Hada Chang's 6-4, 6-3 win at #4 put the Pioneers back in the driver's seat at 2-1 and the final singles wins from Mevllle and Burger sent them down victory lane. 

"We knew a team as good as South Carolina would do a good job responding after a close doubles point," assistant coach Jesse Medvene-Collins said. "We were really proud of the grit and support we showed throughout singles. We have been working on decision making and discipline all season, so it was nice to see it pay off today and we're happy for the team to get rewarded for such a great effort."

Denver will remain on the road to face Texas Tech on Monday, Feb. 17 at 12 p.m. MT.  

2020 DENVER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME RECEPTION: Denver announced its 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame class in January. The inductees will be honored on the DU campus May 16. For more information, registration for the reception and donation information, click here. 

DONATE: Fans interested in making a donation to the tennis program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.  

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.

PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Fans interested in making a donation to the women's tennis program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.   

-OUR JOURNEY, OUR TIME- 
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Women's Tennis on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Wtennis on Twitter