HAMPTON, Va. – The Norfolk State women's tennis team could not overcome Hampton at Neilson-Screen Stadium, but the Spartans' seniors went out in style in their final regular season match.
 
Hampton (12-8) took down Norfolk State (2-16) 4-2 on Tuesday, but Norfolk State seniors Gabriela Davidescu and Laura Ruiz each earned singles victories.
 
The Pirates won the opening doubles point, thanks to victories on Courts 2 and 3. Davidescu and Ruiz led 5-3 on Court 1 when play stopped.
 
Hampton went ahead 2-0 as Meiri Okuwaki defeated Alessia Stan 6-1, 6-2 at the No. 3 position. Davidescu got the Spartans on the board shortly after in the top slot of the lineup, taking down Mio Kozaki 6-1, 6-4.
 
Diana Starodubtseva pulled out a 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 win over Irina Ioana Iurea on Court 2, getting the Pirates closer to a team victory. Ruiz kept the Spartans alive a little longer, though, earning a win by opponent retirement at the No. 4 position.
 
Masa Mitic closed the match out for Hampton, defeating Isabella Cottrell 6-0, 6-0 on Court 6.
 
The Spartans will return to the court next week for the 2024 MEAC Tennis Championships.
 
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