Akron Falls to Defending MAC Champion Buffalo

Saturday, April 14

Akron, Ohio

1 PM

University of Akron

Buffalo

Photo by: Jeff Harwell

April 14 | Women's Tennis

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AKRON, Ohio – Defending Mid-American Conference champion Buffalo beat Akron, 6-1, in women's tennis action on Saturday afternoon at the LaTuchie Tennis Center.

"Difficult loss today," said Akron head coach Brandon Padgett. "We were prepared to play, and the match itself was much closer than the final score would seem to show. Buffalo is a deep and talented team, and I felt like we did a good job of matching that talent level on most courts today."

Buffalo (14-3 overall, 7-0 MAC) claimed the doubles point over the Zips (14-11 overall, 3-4 MAC) with wins at the No. 1 and 3 spots.

"Today, we just didn't close out matches when we had the lead, and that was the difference in the doubles point," he continued. "We saw similar scenarios play out during the singles portion of the match today as well, which is frustrating. We have the talent to beat anyone in the MAC, but we have to play with more of a sense of urgency and focus, while also allowing ourselves to truly be in the moment and enjoying that moment."

In singles action, Akron's sole win came at No. 3 by freshman Anna Uljanov (Schweinfurt, Germany) who defeated Lolade Ogungbesan in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

"Carli (Knezevich) continues to put together strong matches, no matter where she plays," Padgett said. "Our freshmen continue to show outstanding promise, and they are learning and getting better every day. Anna played a great match today, and she grew as a player today, for sure."

Akron closes out the regular season on Sunday, April 22, at 1 p.m. against Ball State. Weather will determine which courts—UA outdoor courts or the LaTuchie Tennis Center– will be utilized. The Senior Class will be honored prior to the match.

"You cannot play a match with the mindset of 'playing not to lose', you have to 'play to win.' We learned that lesson today," Padgett added, "And I know that this young group will embrace the challenge ahead of us. Defeating Ball State is the only way to all but secure a spot in the conference tournament. A fourth MAC win should get us in, and once there, anything can happen."

BUFFALO 6, AKRON 1
LaTuchie Tennis Center
April 14, 2018

Doubles:
1. Chantal Martinez Blanco/Lolade Ogungbesan (UB) def. Rita Pedroso/Anna Uljanov (Akron), 6-4

2. Carli Knezevich/Miruna Vasilescu (Akron) vs. Tanja Stojanovska/Anna Savchenko (UB), DNF 6-6 (UA led 5-3)

3. Emel Abibula/Arianna Paules Aldrey (UB) def. Luisa Echeverry/Waverly Wituski (Akron), 6-3

Singles:
1. Chantal Martinez Blanco (UB) def. Miruna Vasilescu (Akron), 7-5, 3-6, 1-0 (7)

2. Tanja Stojanovska (UB) def. Rita Pedroso (Akron), 6-1, 6-1

3. Anna Uljanov (Akron) def. Lolade Ogungbesan (UB), 7-5, 6-4

4. Emel Abibula (UB) def. Carli Knezevich (Akron), 6-2, 5-7, 6-4

5. Sanjana Sudhir (UB) def. Luisa Echeverry (Akron), 6-2, 6-3

6. Arianna Paules Aldrey (UB) def. Carla Flores (Akron), 6-2, 6-1

Team Records:
Buffalo (14-3 overall, 7-0 MAC)
Akron (14-11 overall, 3-4 MAC)