The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Northern Illinois
Women's Tennis Beats NIU, 6-1, in Regular-Season Finale
April 17 | Women's Tennis
PHOTO GALLERY
AKRON, Ohio— The University of Akron women's tennis team closed the regular season with a 6-1 win over Northern Illinois in Mid-American Conference play on Friday at the LaTuchie Tennis Center.
The Zips improved to 11-11 overall and 3-5 in the MAC, while the Huskies fell to 11-8 overall and 2-5 in the league.
Prior to the match, lone senior Olga Shkundina (Ufa, Russia) was honored.
"Great way to close out the conference season, especially at home on senior day. I am extremely proud of this entire group for the effort that they put forth today, and for the continued toughness that they have shown all season," head coach Brandon Padgett said. "We will miss Olga greatly, but I am excited to see how the next chapter in her life unfolds."
In doubles action, Akron captured the team point with wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. Junior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) and freshman Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) defeated Christina Alvarez and Abigail Dekkinga, 6-4. Freshman Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) and Shkundina took care of Evelyn Youel and Mary Malkin, 6-1. The teams at No. 1 doubles did not finish play.
In singles action, Akron claimed five of six victories. At No. 2 singles, Zerbola defeated Alvarez, 6-4, 6-2. At No. 3, Shkundina battled to beat Malkin, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (5). At No. 4, Blinova beat Arantza De La Torre, 6-1, 6-3. Geier defeated Evelyn Youel, 6-0, 6-3, at No. 5.
Sophomore Shannon Newnes (Romford, London) bat Abigail Dekkinga, 6-0, 6-2, at No. 6 singles.
Akron now awaits pairings for the 2015 MAC Championship to be held at Miami (Ohio) on April 24-26. Only the top six teams participate. The bracket will be announced following all weekend action.
AKRON 6, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 1
LaTuchie Tennis Center
April 17, 2015
Doubles:
1. Karolina Maksimova / Shannon Newnes (UA) vs. Nelle Youel / Arantza De La Torre (NIU), unfinished
2. Martina Zerbola / Sophia Geier (UA) def. Christina Alvarez / Abigail Dekkinga, 6-4
3. Ariadna Blinova / Olga Shkundina (UA) def. Evelyn Youel / Mary Malkin, 6-1
Singles:
1. Nelle Youel (NIU) def. Karolina Maksimova, 6-1, 6-1
2. Martina Zerbola (UA) def. Christina Alvarez, 6-4, 6-2
3. Olga Shkundina (UA) def. Mary Malkin, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (5)
4. Ariadna Blinova (UA) def. Arantza De La Torre, 6-1, 6-3
5. Sophia Geier (UA) def. Evelyn Youel, 6-0, 6-3
6. Shannon Newnes (UA) def. Abigail Dekkinga, 6-0, 6-2
Order of finish:
Doubles— 3, 2, 1
Singles— 1, 6, 4, 5, 3, 2
Team records:
Akron (11-11 overall, 3-5 MAC)
Northern Illinois (11-8, 2-5 MAC)
Players Mentioned
