The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Eastern Michigan
Tennis Starts MAC Play with 5-2 Win Over Eastern Michigan
March 25 | Women's Tennis
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YPSILANTI, Mich. — The University of Akron women's tennis team opened the Mid-American Conference portion of their season with a 5-2 victory over Eastern Michigan on Friday afternoon at the Wasik Tennis Complex.
The Zips improved to 11-6 overall and 1-0 in MAC play, while the Eagles fell to 3-11 on the season and 0-1 in conference action.
"Excellent win for us today," head coach Brandon Padgett said. "We came out and played strong doubles, communicated well and really worked hard from start to finish on all three courts."
Akron was able to come out with the doubles point after the teams split the first two matches. Sophomore Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) and partner Carli Knezevich (Austin, Texas) vanquished EMU's No. 2 doubles team of Ani Gogvadze and Marie Mayerova, 6-3, to give the Zips an early lead.
Eastern Michigan came out strong in singles play claiming two of the first three matches, however, it was not enough as Akron took the final three courts. After being down 3-0 in the first set, sophomore Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) pushed through to capture a 7-6 (1), 6-1 triumph versus Klara Supejova at No. 1 singles.
At No. 2 singles, Geier beat Ani Gogvadze, 6-0, 6-3, before senior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) competed in a three set match at No. 4 singles to defeat Marie Mayerova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Knezevich also took her second victory of the day after taking a 7-6 (5), 6-2 decision over Renu Sharma.
"Singles was a little more up and down but in the end, I am very pleased with the overall effort," Padgett finished. "Ari played an exceptional match, controlling play once she settled in. We had several players step up for us when we needed them to, and I expect the same kind of toughness moving forward."
Akron returns home to host Toledo on Sunday, March 27 at the Outdoor Tennis Facility. First serve is set for 1 p.m. against the Rockets.
AKRON 5, EASTERN MICHIGAN 2
March 25, 2016
Doubles:
1. Klara Supejova/Andrea Martinovska (EMU) def. Karalina Maksimava/Shannon Newnes (UA) 6-2
2. Sophia Geier/Carli Knezevich (UA) def. Ani Gogvadze/Marie Mayerova (EMU) 6-3
3. Martina Zerbola/Luisa Echeverry (UA) def. Anna Veleva/Renu Sharma (EMU) 6-3
Singles:
1. Blinova (UA) def. Supejova (EMU) 7-6 (1), 6-1
2. Geier (UA) def. Gogvadze (EMU) 6-0, 6-3
3. Martinovska (EMU) def. Newnes (UA) 6-1, 6-4
4. Zerbola (UA) def. Mayerova (EMU) 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
5. Velva (EMU) def. Echeverry (UA) 6-2, 6-2
6. Knezevich (UA) def. Sharma (EMU) 7-6 (5), 6-2
Order of finish:
Doubles– 1, 3, 2
Singles– 2, 3, 5, 1, 6, 4
Team Records:
Akron (11-6 overall, 1-0 MAC)
Eastern Michigan (3-11 overall, 0-1 MAC)
Players Mentioned
