Women's Tennis Falls to Liberty, 5-2

Sunday, February 8

10 am

University of Akron

Liberty

February 08 | Women's Tennis

HIGHLIGHTS

AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron women's tennis team dropped a 5-2 decision to Liberty on Sunday morning at the LaTuchie Tennis Center.

It marked the second loss for the Zips (5-2 overall) this spring, while the Flames improved to 6-1 overall.

In doubles action, junior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) and freshman Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) defeated Maria Khval and Brittany Yang, 6-2, at the No. 1 spot. With the No. 2 doubles going to Liberty, all eyes were on the No. 3 team. Senior Olga Shkundina (Ufa, Russia) and sophomore Shannon Newnes (Romford, London) battled Belen Rivera and Mariely Hassey, losing in eight match points, 7-6 (8-6).

In singles play, sophomore Karolina Maksimava (Mogliev, Belarus) won at the No. 1 spot, defeating Belen Rivera, 6-3, 6-4. At the No. 6 spot, Geier claimed a 6-3, 6-3, win over Evangeline Crist.

"Tough loss today to a very strong team," head coach Brandon Padgett said. "Losing the doubles' point in that fashion was tough to swallow, but we came out and fought hard in singles. This is great preparation for the conference season though."

Akron travels to Madison, Wis., on Feb. 13-14. The Zips face the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday at 4 p.m. and Utah State on Saturday at 1 p.m.

LIBERTY 5, AKRON 2
LaTuchie Tennis Center
February 8, 2015

Doubles:
1. Martina Zerbola / Sophia Geier (UA) def. Maria Khval / Brittany Yang, 6-2
2. Valerie Thong / Evangeline Crist (LU) def. Ariadna Blinova / Karolina Maksimava, 6-2
3. Belen Rivera / Mariely Hassey (LU) def. Madison Cohen / Shannon Newnes, 7-6 (6)

Singles:
1. Karolina Maksimava (UA) def. Belen Rivera, 6-3, 6-4
2. Mariely Hassey (LU) def. Madison Cohen, 6-2, 6-2
3. Brittany Yang (LU) def. Martina Zerbola, 6-3, 6-4
4. Maria Khval (LU) def. Olga Shkundina, 7-5, 7-5
5. Emily Groenevald (LU) def. Ariadna Blinova, 7-5, 6-4
6. Sophia Geier (UA) def. Evangeline Crist, 6-3, 6-3