The Milwaukee women’s tennis team concluded its postseason run with a loss to Youngstown State on Saturday during the Horizon League Championships at the Varsity Tennis Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Panthers, who entered with a record of 8-17, were defeated 4-0 by the Penguins, who improved to 13-7.
The Panthers aimed to achieve a second consecutive upset victory for a spot in the finals but fell short. Youngstown State’s win marks its 31st victory in 44 Horizon League postseason appearances and secures its 10th title match appearance in the past 11 seasons.
“Still very proud of the team this season,” said head coach Mark Goldin. “Despite the ups and downs and the injuries we had to overcome, we still had such a fun year. Looking ahead, we are excited about the recruiting class coming in for next fall. We are ready to come back even stronger next season.”
The day began strongly for Milwaukee, with Laure Razet and Nikola Nikolajeva securing a 6-2 victory over Line Greyling and Lili Minich in doubles play, pushing the decision to a deciding match at No. 3 doubles. However, Emilia Durska and Giorgia Cavestro later succumbed to a 6-3 defeat.
In singles competition, the Panthers faced a Youngstown State lineup that boasted a 28-8 record in regular-season league singles matches. Victories for the Penguins at positions six, one, and five clinched their overall victory.
Youngstown State 4, Milwaukee 0
Singles competition results:
1. Julia Marko (YSU) defeated Nadiia Konieva (MKE) 6-3, 6-1
2. Lili Minich (YSU) vs. Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) 6-3, 2-3, unfinished
3. Yeseniia Ovcharova (YSU) vs. Laure Razet (MKE) 7-5, 4-0, unfinished
4. Lorena Cedeno (YSU) vs. Emilia Durska (MKE) 6-3, 5-4, unfinished
5. Ghada Dirninger (YSU) defeated Elisa Rubio (MKE) 6-3, 6-4
6. Yoana Dudova (YSU) defeated Sara Simonova (MKE) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles competition results:
1. Ghada Dirninger/Julia Marko (YSU) defeated Nadiia Konieva/Sara Simonova (MKE) 6-1
2. Laure Razet/Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) defeated Line Greyling/Lili Minich (YSU) 6-2
3. Lorena Cedeno/Lydia Foster (YSU) defeated Emilia Durska/Giorgia Cavestro (MKE) 6-3
