BALTIMORE, Md. – The Norfolk State women's tennis team fought to the end at McClure Tennis Center on Monday, falling 5-2 against Loyola (Md.).
 
Gabriela Davidescu and Irina Iurea took down Christine Richiez and Lauren Manwiller at the top doubles position, before Laura Ruiz and Sabina Iurea defeated Liza Tankimovich and Olivia Tracey 6-4 at the No. 2 doubles position. The victories gave Norfolk State the opening doubles point and the Spartans' first 1-0 advantage of the season.
 
Tracey beat Davidescu 6-4, 6-4 at the No. 1 position, tying the match 1-1. Loyola pushed in front soon after, as Richiez defeated Alessia Stan 6-1, 6-2 at the No. 2 position.
 
Tankimovich defeated Irina Iurea 6-2, 6-3 on Court 3, putting Loyola ahead 3-1. Ruiz kept the Spartans alive with a 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 win over Emi Shivkumar on Court 4 – improving to 2-0 on the day individually.
 
Anna Rico clinched the match for Loyola with a win by opponent retirement on Court 5, before Lily Langhus defeated Isabella Cottrell 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 6 slot.
 
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