Match Results

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Norfolk State women's tennis team defeated Philadelphia University by a 7-2 score Friday afternoon in a match moved up from Saturday at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center.

Originally scheduled to be played Saturday, the threat of rain moved the match to Friday, where the Spartans won convincingly in doubles and swept all five contested singles matches in straight sets. The win improved NSU's record to 8-10 on the season, while Philadelphia University fell to 10-8.

Sophomore Maryna Kariuk and freshman Laura Gutierrez competed at the No. 1 doubles spot this match, and duo downed Sayre Limburg and Isabella Espinosa, 8-1. Senior Naeemah Brooks and junior Rebecca Graff won their match at the second doubles spot as well by an 8-1 score over Olivia Amato and Sylvia Bennicelli.

The Rams earned their only two points of the match with default wins at the No.3 doubles and No. 6 singles matches.

In singles play, Brooks earned the victory at the top spot in the lineup, defeating Limburg, 6-0, 6-2. Gutierrez took care of Espinosa for the second time during the day with a 6-4, 6-0, win at the No. 2 slot. Graff, meanwhile, did the same against Elizabeth Verbits at the third spot, winning by the same 6-4, 6-0 score.

Freshman Kia Batiste pulled out a 6-2, 6-4 win against Magill Kurts at the No. 5 position, while Amato gave Kariuk all she could handle before Kariuk posted a 6-4, 7-6(1) win at the No. 4 spot.

The Spartans will head farther north for their next match Sunday at 11 a.m. at Rider.