The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Buffalo
Akron Falls to Buffalo in MAC Championship Semifinals
April 29 | Women's Tennis
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MUNCIE, Ind. – The second-seeded Akron women's tennis team dropped a 4-2 heart-breaking loss to No. 3 seed Buffalo in the semifinals of the 2017 Mid-American Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Zips finished the 2017 season at 23-4 overall, while the Bulls improved 13-8 overall. Buffalo will face No. 4 seed Miami in the championship match on Sunday, April 30. The RedHawks upset top seed and defending MAC champion Ball State, 4-2, in the other semifinal match.
"Today we were a part of a great collegiate match. Every player from both teams fought hard, gave everything of themselves, and put their heart and soul into their tennis. Unfortunately, we were unable to come away with the victory," said UA head coach Brandon Padgett. "Buffalo showed why they were picked to win the MAC at the beginning of the year. The extremely fast indoor courts here in Muncie favored their aggressive style of play, and ultimately, I feel that this was the difference in the match for us. I could not be more proud of our team for the amazing season that we have had, and for the trust that this team put into the coaching staff, and the growth that was achieved from each person."
Buffalo started the match by winning No. 1 and 3 doubles to capture the doubles point.
In singles action, the Zips captured wins at the No. 1 and No. 4 spot.
At the No. 1 singles spot, junior captain Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany), the MAC Player of the Year, improved to 30-3 overall with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Tanja Stojanovska.
"Sophia showed once again, why she was named Conference Player of the Year, handling Buffalo's top player again," Padgett said. "Ariadna (Blinova) was playing extremely well against a strong opponent, and I'm proud of the season that she put together."
Senior Karolina Maksimova (Mogilev, Belarus) defeated Mercedes Losada Rubio, 6-4, 6-1, at No. 4 singles.
"Overall, we feel disappointment with the loss and the end of our season, but as I told the team, I am so proud of them, and they will look back on this season fondly, as they should. Many records were broken by this team, and they deserve to enjoy their accomplishments."
The match was the last for seniors Maksimova and Shannon Newnes (Romford, London).
"My heart breaks for our two seniors, who saved their best collegiate seasons for their last season. I'm so proud of Karolina for stepping up today after missing much of the conference season in singles play. Her singles play today was dominant. I'm excited to announce that Shannon will be joining our coaching staff next season, and that Karolina will remain in Akron and will be still be around our program."
2017 MAC Championship Semifinals
Ball State, Host | Muncie, Ind.
#3 BUFFALO 4, #2 AKRON 2
April 29, 2017
Doubles:
1. Tanja Stojanovska/Margarita Kotok (UB) def. Carli Knezevich/Karolina Maksimova, 6-2
2. Ariadna Blinova/Sophia Geier (UA) vs. Anna Savchenko/C. Martinez Blanco, DNF
3. Laura Holterbosch/Mercedes Losada Rubio (UB) def. Shannon Newnes/Rita Pedroso, 6-1
Singles:
1. Sophia Geier (UA) def. Tanja Stojanovska, 6-2, 6-4
2. Ariadna Blinova (UA) vs. C. Martinez Blanco, 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 incomplete
3. Emel Abibula (UB) def. Shannon Newnes, 7-5, 6-2
4. Karolina Makismova (UA) def. Mercedes Losada Rubio, 6-4, 6-1
5. Anna Savchenko (UB) def. Carli Knezevich, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
6. Sanjana Sudhir (UB) def. Luisa Echeverry, 6-0, 6-2
Order of Finish:
Doubles– 3, 1
Singles– 6, 4, 1, 3, 5
Team Records:
#2 seed Akron (23-4 overall)
#3 seed Buffalo (13-8 overall)
MAC CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Quarterfinals: Friday, April 28
#4 Miami 4, #5 Northern Illinois 1
#3 Buffalo 4, #6 Western Michigan 0
Semifinals: Saturday, April 29
#4 Miami 4, #1 Ball State 2
#3 Buffalo 4, #2 Akron 2
Championship: Sunday, April 30
#3 Buffalo vs. #4 Miami, Noon
Players Mentioned
