Box Score BALTIMORE, Md. – The Norfolk State women's tennis team could not overcome a tough Loyla (Md.) team on the road on Monday, falling 5-2 at McClure Tennis Center.
 
The Greyhounds narrowly won the opening doubles point to earn the opening edge. Sofiya Tsitavets and Yuliya Yurkova won 6-3 on Court 1, but the Spartans lost close matches on Courts 2 and 3, including a 7-6 (3) result on the latter.
 
Former five-star high school recruit picked up her first singles victory in a Spartan uniform on Monday, defeating Lauren Manwiller 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 2 position. The Greyhounds responded with a 7-5, 6-2 win at the top spot from Christine Richiez against Tsitavets.
 
Yurkova improved to 2-0 on the day with a thrilling 6-2, 4-6, 10-7 triumph over Elena Hartley at the No. 3 slot. Loyola clinched the match from there, though, with straight-set victories at the No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 positions.
 
McRae, the 2024 All-MEAC First Team selection, crushed his No. 4 singles opponent 6-2, 6-0 to keep the momentum going into the new format. Okyay followed closely behind, defeating Gill 6-2, 6- 0 at the No. 4 spot.
 
Gorbatenko, who did not play doubles, beat Boland 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 2 slot to push the Spartans ahead further. Norfolk State clinched the match after Solarski took down Castillo 7-5, 6-3 at the top spot in the lineup.
 
The Spartans return to action at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday for their home opener against Shaw at NSU Tennis Complex
 
Norfolk State closed things out with wins at the bottom of the lineup as well. Kubalka defeated Pemueller 6-1, 7-5 at the No. 5 position, before Cvjetkovic took down Dylan Koziol 6-4, 6-3 at No. 6.
 
The Spartans return to action at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday for their home opener against Shaw at NSU Tennis Complex
 
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