The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Eastern Michigan
Women's Tennis Drops MAC Opener to EMU, 4-3
March 20 | Women's Tennis
HIGHLIGHTS
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AKRON, Ohio— In its Mid-American Conference opener, the University of Akron women's tennis team fell to Eastern Michigan, 4-3, on Friday afternoon at the LaTuchie Tennis Center.
The Zips fell to 7-7 overall and 0-1 in MAC play, while the Eagles improved to 5-9 overall and 1-0 in the MAC.
"We played very well today," head coach Brandon Padgett said. "Eastern Michigan always has strong doubles, and we knew that coming in, but our singles play is what I was most impressed with. Playing without one of our best players, this team stepped up, played hard, and deserved a better fate today. I am proud of the effort and know that this type of effort will pay off in the end."
In doubles action, EMU claimed the team point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. Third doubles action stopped once the Eagles clinched the point.
In singles action, Akron freshman Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) captured a 6-3, 6-3 win over Daphne Friedrichs at the No. 3 spot. At No. 5 singles, freshman Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) defeated Maria Paula Ribero, 6-1, 6-1, while sophomore Shannon Newnes (Romford, London) beat Renu Sharma, 6-2, 6-0, at No. 6 singles.
With the team score tied 3-3, the match came down to play at No. 2 singles as junior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) battled Ani Gogvadze to three sets. Zerbola won the first set, 7-6. Gogvadze won the match with identical 6-4 scores in the second and third sets to clinch the team's first MAC win.
Akron continues MAC play with its first road trip in conference play. The Zips travel to Toledo on Sunday, March 22 for a 1 p.m. match.
EASTERN MICHIGAN 3, AKRON 3
LaTuchie Tennis Center
March 20, 2015
Doubles:
1. Lara Supejova / Andrea Martinovska (EMU) def. Martina Zerbola / Sophia Geier, 6-2
2. Maria Paula Ribero / Ani Gogvadze (EMU) def. Shannon Newnes / Madison Cohen, 6-0
3. Ariadna Blinova / Karolina Maksimova (UA) vs. Daphne Friedrichs / Alenjandra Barcelo (EMU), unfinished (EMU led 4-3)
Singles:
1. Klara Supejova (EMU) def. Karolina Maksimova, 6-3, 6-0
2. Ani Gogvadze (EMU) def. Martina Zerbola, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4
3. Ariadna Blinova (UA) def. Daphne Friedrichs, 6-3, 6-3
4. Andrea Martinovska (EMU) def. Madison Cohen, 6-0, 7-5
5. Sophia Geier (UA) def. Maria Paula Ribero, 6-1, 6-1
6. Shannon Newnes (UA) def. Renu Sharma, 6-2, 6-0
Order of finish:
Doubles— 2, 1, 3
Singles— 6, 1, 5, 4, 3, 2
Team records:
Akron (7-7 overall, 0-1 MAC)
Eastern Michigan (5-9 overall, 1-0 MAC)
Players Mentioned
