ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s tennis team returned to the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center today, March 7, and defeated UNCG, 6-1, to remain undefeated at home.
The Phoenix got off to a good start winning on courts two and three in doubles to clinch the point and take a 1-0 lead into singles play. Following two early victories in singles, Alex Kaniaev clinched the match at the number six position and Elon went on to claim the 6-1 win.
“The team competed hard today,” said head coach Elizabeth Anderson. “We’ve had a lot of matches in a short period of time after this past weekend at Richmond and VCU. I am proud of the way they have fought through the adversity and the grind of the tennis season. We’re excited about the matches this weekend and hope we get a good crowd for our Kids’ Day on Saturday.”
Elon improves to 10-5 this season with the victory and remains undefeated at home. UNCG falls to 1-10 overall with the loss.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Phoenix got off to a quick start with Erica Braschi and Olivia Lucas taking the first doubles match 6-0 on court three, followed by Kirsten Ward and Suzanne Zenoni winning 6-1 on court two to clinch the doubles point. Maria Paraja and Koniaev battled on court three, with the match eventually going unfinished.
Ward stayed hot going into singles play, where she finished first on court five with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Sophia Adams. She was followed by her doubles partner Zenoni, who won 6-2, 6-1 on court three as Elon saw the lead grow to 3-0.
Koniaev fell behind 0-3 in the first set before coming back and winning 6-4. She went on to take the second set 6-2, winning the pivotal forth point and clinching the match for Elon.
UNCG earned it lone point on court four. Paraja battled hard in a second set tiebreaker before falling 0-6, 6-7 (7-4), bringing the score to 4-1.
In the number one singles spot, Braschi also found herself behind 0-3 early in the first set, before coming back and winning 6-4, 6-1 to extend the lead to 5-1.
The match concluded on court two. Lucas battled back from a loss in a first-set tiebreaker to win the second set and force a third-set tiebreak. She prevailed in the final set 10-8 to bring the final score to 6-1.
UP NEXT
North Carolina Central and Washington & Lee University visit the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center on Saturday, March 11, in a doubleheader. The Phoenix faces the Eagles at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Generals at 1 p.m. Elon will host Kids’ Day on Saturday, which will include a free tennis clinic, bounce house, as well as free prizes and giveaways.