Box Score CARY, N.C. – Norfolk State senior Gabriela Davidescu closed out her collegiate career with a dominant singles victory, as Howard defeated Norfolk State 4-1 in the first round of the 2024 MEAC Tennis Championship.
 
Davidescu logged the Spartans' lone point of the afternoon (2-16, 1-5 MEAC), cruising past Bison junior Sifa Butcher 6-0, 6-3 at the No. 1 singles position. Howard (11-9, 4-2) moves into the semifinal round with the team victory.
 
Howard won the opening doubles point with triumphs on Courts 2 and 3. The Bison earned a 6-0 win at position No. 3, before clinching the point with a 6-4 victory on Court 2. Davidescu and Laura Ruiz led 6-4 on Court 1 when play came to a halt.
 
The Bison took a 2-0 lead as Imani Jean took down Isabella Cottrell 6-0, 6-1 at the No. 6 singles position. Nadia Pegram defeated Allesia Stan 6-1, 6-1 on Court 3 to put the Bison one point away from clinching.
 
Davidescu got the Spartans on the board with a terrific performance at the top spot in the lineup. After taking the first set swiftly, she held off a late push from Butcher to close the match.
 
Howard earned its clinching point at the No. 2 slot, as Jordan Grayson defeated Irina Ioana Iurea 6-1, 6-2. When play stopped, Sabina Iurea led 6-4, 1-2 at the No. 5 position, while Ruiz stood tied 6-6 in a first-set tiebreaker at No. 4.
 
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