Firebirds Fall Just Short on Senior Day Against No.21 Queens
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team battled to the very end but came up just short in a 4-3 loss to Queens College in a non-conference matchup on Senior Day.
Prior to first serve, the Firebirds honored seniors Lina Benjelloun and Célia Bastin for their dedication and contributions to the program.
Queens claimed the doubles point, taking wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions, while the duo of Lina Benjelloun and Sofiia Shaparenko earned a 6-4 victory at No. 2 doubles.
UDC responded with a strong showing in singles play, securing three wins across the lineup. Polina Zelentsova led the way at the top spot with a 6-2, 7-5 victory at No. 1 singles. Nadja Zmukic added a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5, while Shaparenko delivered a clutch performance at No. 4, battling to a 6-0, 6-7(3), 1-0(3) victory.
The Firebirds will look to bounce back as they hit the road next Tuesday for a 2 p.m. matchup against West Chester.
Doubles
1. Bertran de Belanda/Vasic (QC) def. Bastin/Zelentsova 7-5
2. Benjelloun/Shaparenko def Goubet/Bizouerne (QC) 6-4
3. Zafeiri/Genestay (QC) def. default
Singles
1. Polina Zelentsova def. Marie Bertran de Belanda (QC) 6-2, 7-5
2. Sixtine Goubet (QC) def. Célia Bastin 6-1, 6-4
3. Lilie Bizouerne (QC) def. Lina Benjelloun 6-0, 6-1
4. Sofiia Shaparenko def. Regina Ruiz (QC) 6-0, 6-7(3), 1-0(3)
5. Nadja Zmukic def. Kayla Taszymowicz (QC) 6-1, 6-2
6. Allycia Santa-Cruz (QC) def. default
UDC - 3
QC - 4
Order of Completion
Doubles: 3, 2, 1*
Singles: 6, 3, 2*, 5, 1, 4
