Women's Tennis Beats Utah State, 5-2

Saturday, February 3

East Lansing, MI

Noon

University of Akron

Utah State

Photo by: Jeff Harwell

February 03 | Women's Tennis

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EAST LANSING, Mich. – The University of Akron women's tennis team picked up a huge 5-2 victory over Utah State at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility on Saturday afternoon.

After dropping the doubles point to the Aggies (3-3 overall), the Zips (4-2 overall) rebounded to claim five of the six singles matches for their third consecutive road win.

Akron's junior Luisa Echeverry (Cali, Colombia) and freshman Miruna Vasilescu (Ulm, Germany) stayed undefeated (4-0 this spring) with a 6-2 win over Alexandra Taylor and Sophia Haleas at No. 2 doubles.

"We played our most complete tennis today, as a team," said Akron head coach Brandon Padgett. "Doubles was difficult to watch, with the exception of Luisa and Miruna, but I'm very proud of how everyone responded in singles. Winning 7 out of 8 singles matches against anyone is difficult to do, but to pull that off against a caliber of Utah State was impressive to watch. This group fought hard, and they were rewarded with a great team win. Sean (McInerney) does an outstanding job of having his players ready to go, and today was no exception. Utah State came out ready to play, which is a credit to Sean and his staff. I'm pleased we were able to battle back after doubles, and finally start to relax and play."

In singles play, senior captain Carli Knezevich (Austin, Texas) beat Rhoda Tanui in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, at the No. 2 spot.

At No. 3 singles, Vasilescu remained unbeaten (5-0 this spring) with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Hannah Jones.

At No. 4, freshman Anna Uljanov (Schweinfurt, Germany) picked up her second win in singles action with a 6-4, 6-2 decision over Maggie O'Meara.

At No. 5, Echeverry defeated Sabrina Demerath, 6-2, 7-5.

In the final match, freshman Madison Wolfe (Monument, Colo.) battled Sophia Haleas for a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 1-0 (12) victory at No. 6 singles.

In exhibition action, senior Waverly Wituski (Springboro, Ohio) beat out Alexandra Taylor, 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10), while junior Carla Flores (Coahuila, Mexico) took care of Jenna Kane, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (7).

The Zips continue non-conference road play against Michigan State on Sunday, Feb. 4. Live stats will be available online during the match.

"Tomorrow will be another wonderful opportunity for us to gain some much-needed high level match experience, and I'm looking forward to seeing this team compete hard once again," Padgett added.

AKRON 5, UTAH STATE 2
MSU Indoor Tennis Facility
Feb. 3, 2018

Doubles:
1. Alexandra Pisareva/ Maggie O'Meara (USU) Carli Knezevich/Rita Pedroso, 6-2

2. Luisa Echeverry/Miruna Vasilescu (UA) def. Alexandra Taylor/Sophia Haleas, 6-2

3. Lucy Octave/Hannah Jones (USU) def. Anna Uljanov/Madison Wolfe, 6-0

Singles:
1. Alexandra Pisareva (USU) def. Rita Pedroso, 6-1, 6-1

2. Carli Knezevich (UA) def. Rhoda Tanui, 6-4, 6-1

3. Miruna Vasilescu (UA) def. Hannah Jones, 6-1, 6-0

4. Anna Uljanov (UA) def. Maggie O'Meara, 6-4, 6-2

5. Luisa Echeverry (UA) def. Sabrina Demerath, 6-2, 7-5

6. Madison Wolfe (UA) def. Sophia Haleas, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 1-0 (12)

Exhibition:
7. Waverly Wituski (UA) def. Alexandra Taylor, 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10)

8. Carla Flores (UA) def. Jenna Kane, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (7)

Order of Finish:
Doubles– 3, 1, 2
Singles– 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 6

Team Records:
Akron (4-2 overall, 0-0 MAC)
Utah State (3-3 overall, 0-0 MWC)