The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
East Tennessee State
Women's Tennis Topped at East Tennessee State, 5-2
March 04 | Women's Tennis
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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The University of Akron women's tennis team dropped a 5-2 effort against East Tennessee State on Friday afternoon at the Cedar Bluff Racket Club.
With the loss, Akron fell to 9-2 overall while ETSU improved to a faultless 10-0. Despite not dropping a match, the Bucs recently fell out of the ITA rankings, where they were placed 73rd overall.
"Today we played well, but came up short against a very strong team," head coach Brandon Padgett said. "It is easy to see why they are still undefeated. Their depth is outstanding. Collectively, we need to do a better job of staying aggressive at the right times, but overall, I am pleased with the performance from this group of ladies. They continue to work hard, put forth top quality effort, and listen to my coaching. This will go a long way when we get to conference play."
Akron fell in doubles action but was able to claim two victories in singles play. Sophomore Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) clashed with East Tenneesee's Lyn Yee Choo to capture a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win in No. 1 singles. At No. 2 singles, fellow sophomore Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) seized a close 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2) triumph against the Bucs' Regina Nychytailova.
Blinova has yet to drop a dual match this season as she pushed her winning streak to nine consecutive matches. Geier's victory marked her fifth straight win while leaving her 9-1 on the season thus far.
"Both ETSU and Winthrop, our opponent for tomorrow, would challenge for the very top in the MAC, without a doubt," Padgett concluded. "I'm looking forward to playing a nationally ranked team tomorrow, and I have no doubt that ETSU will be back in the national rankings soon."
Tomorrow (Mar. 5), the Zips faceoff versus No. 66 Winthrop at 11 a.m. before returning to Ohio for a 3 p.m. match at nearby Cleveland State on Wednesday, Mar. 9.
EAST TENNEESEE STATE 5, AKRON 2
March 4, 2016
Doubles:
1. Lyn Yee Choo/Ana Gerbasi (ETSU) def. Sophia Geier/Carli Knezevich (UA) 6-1
2. Ioanna Markesini/Marina Espana (ETSU) - Martina Zerbola/Luisa Echeverry (UA) 4-3 (DNF)
3. Regina Nychytailova/Melissa Esguerra (ETSU) def. Ariadna Blinova/Waverly Wituski (UA) 6-4
Singles:
1. Blinova (UA) def. Choo (ETSU) 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
2. Geier (UA) def. Nychytailova (ETSU) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
3. Markesini (ETSU) def. Knezevich (UA) 6-2, 6-1
4. Esguerra (ETSU) def. Zerbola (UA) 6-0, 6-3
5. Espana (ETSU) def. Echeverry (UA) 6-4, 6-4
6. Gerbasi (ETSU) def. Carla Flores (UA) 6-2, 6-4
Order of finish:
Doubles– 1, 3
Singles– 3, 4, 6, 1, 5, 2
Team Records:
Akron (9-2 overall, 0-0 MAC)
East Tennessee State (10-0 overall, 0-0 SOCON)
Players Mentioned
