Zips End Regular Season with 7-0 Victory Over Bowling Green

Friday, April 22

1 pm

University of Akron

Bowling Green

Zips End Regular Season with 7-0 Victory Over Bowling Green

April 22 | Women's Tennis

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AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron women's tennis team concluded the regular season with a 7-0 sweep against Mid-American Conference opponent Bowling Green on Friday, April 22 at the Perrysburg Tennis Center.

"Today was an excellent team win for us, and a wonderful way to close out the conference regular season," said head coach Brandon Padgett. "I am extremely proud of this entire team for it's focus and perseverance they have shown this season."

The Zips improved to 15-9 overall and 5-3 in the MAC, while the Falcons fell to 2-18 overall and 0-7 in the league.

Akron took the doubles point with victories at the No. 2 and 3 positions. Sophomores Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) and Carli Knezevich (Austin, Texas) defeated Polina Radeva and Marina Ferrero, 6-1, before junior Karalina Maksimava (Mogilev, Belarus) and senior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) overpowered Leeah Floyd and Antonina Farrar, 6-0.

Sophomore Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) and junior Shannon Newnes (Romford, London) were leading their No. 1 doubles match, 4-2, before it was halted when Akron captured the doubles point.

Blinova completed regular season conference action undefeated at No. 1 singles and 21-1 overall. Blinova's 7-5, 2-6, 1-0 (8) triumph over BGSU's Paula Comella also marked her 12^th consecutive victory. Geier overcame Radeva at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 7-6 (3) to finish 7-1 in the MAC and 18-5 overall. Maksimava beat Drew Fillis 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 3 spot after Newnes swept Leeah Floyd, 6-0, 6-0. Zerbola also cleared her opponent with ease, Antonina Farrar 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 singles while freshman Carla Flores (Coahuila, Mexico) captured a 6-1, 6-2 victory versus Marina Ferrero.

"Ari and Sophia continued their strong singles play again today at the top of our line-up, setting the tone for the entire team," Padgett finished. "For anyone to go undefeated during a conference season is impressive, especially playing at first singles, so I couldn't be happier for Ari. I'm also extremely happy for Sophia, who finished the conference season with only one loss, playing at second singles. Overall, we had played strong tennis during the MAC regular season, in what has proved to be an exceptionally tight conference race. I am looking forward to next weekend when we begin tournament play."

Akron, who have already clinched a spot in the upcoming MAC Tournament, will await pairings to be held at Miami (Ohio) on April 29-May 1. Only the top six teams participate. The bracket will be announced following all weekend action.

AKRON 7, BOWLING GREEN 0

April 22, 2016

Doubles:

1. Drew Fillis/Paula Comella (BGSU) vs. Ariadna Blinova/Shannon Newnes (UA) UA up 4-2 (DNF)

2. Sophia Geier/Carli Knezevich (UA) def. Polina Radeva/Marina Ferrero (BGSU) 6-1

3. Karalina Maksimava/Martina Zerbola (UA) def. Leeah Floyd / Antonina Farrar (BGSU) 6-0

Singles:

1. Blinova (UA) def. Paula Comella (BGSU) 7-5, 2-6, 1-0 (8)

2. Geier (UA) def. Polina Radeva (BGSU) 6-2, 7-6 (3)

3. Maksimava (UA) def. Drew Fillis (BGSU) 6-4, 6-1

4. Newnes (UA) def. Leeah Floyd (BGSU) 6-0, 6-0

5. Zerbola (UA) def. Antonina Farrar (BGSU) 6-0, 6-0