The Milwaukee women’s tennis team experienced a narrow defeat against the Jaguars on Friday afternoon at River Glen Elite. Despite earning the doubles point, the Panthers fell with a final score of 4-3.
The Panthers, with a record of 7-15 overall and 1-4 in the Horizon League, started strong. They returned victoriously in the third match of doubles to secure the doubles point. However, the Jaguars, now 3-10 overall and 1-4 in the conference, responded effectively, securing the necessary victories in singles play to claim a significant conference win.
“This was a very tough loss, but the girls fought hard all day,” head coach Mark Goldin commented. “We will use this as a learning experience and need to get ready for another big match tomorrow.”
In the doubles matches, Nadiia Konieva and Sara Simonova set the pace by securing a win at No. 1 with a 6-2 score. The Panthers clinched the doubles point when Giorgia Cavestro and Nikola Nikolajeva overcame a mid-match deficit to defeat Emma Dell and Hanan Awale 7-5.
During the singles matches, IU Indy’s players took control by winning four matches. Milwaukee saw successes from Nikola Nikolajeva at No. 2, who defeated Chloe Bailey 6-3, 6-2, and from Honoka Yamashita at No. 6, who bested Hanan Awale 6-2, 6-4. Nonetheless, IU Indy clinched the decisive match at No. 3 with a 7-5, 6-2 win, resulting in a close 4-3 victory.
The Panthers will conclude their regular-season play on Saturday when they host Northern Kentucky at River Glen Elite. The match, scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m., will also serve as “Senior Day,” honoring the team’s lone senior, Giorgia Cavestro.
IU Indianapolis 4, Milwaukee 3
Singles competition
1. Emma Dell (IUINDY) def. Nadiia Konieva (MKE) 6-3, 6-3
2. Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) def. Chloe Bailey (IUINDY) 6-3, 6-2
3. Elle Kotre (IUINDY) def. Emilia Durska (MKE) 7-5, 6-2
4. Calli Sokolowski (IUINDY) def. Elisa Rubio (MKE) 6-2, 6-3
5. Grace Lampman (IUINDY) def. Sara Simonova (MKE) 6-2, 6-3
6. Honoka Yamashita (MKE) def. Hanan Awale (IUINDY) 6-2, 6-4
Doubles competition
1. Nadiia Konieva/Sara Simonova (MKE) def. Chloe Bailey/Grace Lampman (IUINDY) 6-2
2. Elle Kotre/Calli Sokolowski (IUINDY) def. Elisa Rubio/Emilia Durska (MKE) 7-5
3. Giorgia Cavestro/Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) def. Emma Dell/Hanan Awale (IUINDY) 7-5
