Firebirds Fall 5–2 to Jefferson in Home Match

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team battled hard but came up short in a 5–2 loss to Jefferson University on Monday afternoon at the UDC Tennis Courts.

The Firebirds picked up an early doubles win as Célia Bastin and Polina Zelentsova earned a decisive 6–1 victory at No. 1 doubles. However, Jefferson claimed the No. 2 flight to even things up, and the third match was forfeited due to a short roster, giving the Rams the doubles point.

In singles play, Polina Zelentsova continued her strong showing for UDC, capturing a three-set victory at the No. 1 position (7–6, 5–7, 1–0(5)). Sofia Shaparenko also secured a win for the Firebirds, rallying after dropping the first set to take the No. 5 singles match (3–6, 6–2, 6–2).

Despite competitive efforts from Célia Bastin, Lina Benjelloun, and Nadja Zmukic, Jefferson held on to win the remaining singles flights and clinch the overall match, 5–2.

The Firebirds return to action tomorrow on the road at Millersville. 

UDC – 2, Thomas Jefferson University – 5

Doubles

1. Bastin/Zelentsova def. Oderkerk/Veroux (TJU) 6-1
2. Frost/Alvarado Rodriguez (TJU) def. Benjelloun/Zmukic 6-4
3. Vazquez Palacio/Huang (TJU) def. default

Singles

1. Polina Zelentsova def. Anouk Oderkerk (TJU) 7-6(5), 4-6, 1-0(5)
2. Alycia Veroux (TJU) def. Célia Bastin 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
3. Marta Vazquez Palacio (TJU) def. Lina Benjelloun 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
4. Rose Huang (TJU) def. Nadja Zmukic 6-0, 6-1
5. Sofiia Shaparenko def. Sophia Babar (TJU) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
6. Emily Frost def. default

UDC – 2

TJU – 5

Order of Completion

Doubles: 3, 1, 2*

Singles: 6, 4, 2*, 5, 3, 1

Season Record (W-L): 1 – 1, ECC: 0 – 0