NORFOLK, Va. – South Carolina State defeated Norfolk State 5-2 at NSU Tennis Complex on Thursday, but Norfolk State freshman Yuliya Yurkova provided the most impactful moment by taking down one of the greatest players in MEAC tennis history.
 
Yurkova took down Sofya Chursina 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (6) in a tremendous battle at the No. 1 singles position, marking the first MEAC singles loss of the latter's season. Boasting one of the strongest resume's of any student-athlete in the conference, Chursina won the 2023 and 2024 MEAC Player of the Year awards.
 
South Carolina State (11-4) swept the opening doubles point to take an early lead, before Nalanda Teixeria defeated Sabina Iurea 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 3 position. Hind Semlali bested Ines Sabadies 6-3, 6-1 on Court 2, before Caroline Nicholls got the Spartans on the board with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over Ashikha Amalnathan on position four.
 
Yurkova kept Norfolk State alive with the win on Court 1, but Teodora Vujicic bested Angelina Maniawska 6-3, 6-3 at the No. 5 position to clinch the match for South Carolina State. Valeria Teran defeated Irina Iurea 6-2, 6-3 on Court 6 soon after.
 
Norfolk State MEAC play with a road matchup at North Carolina Central on Saturday, Apr. 12, slated for a 12 p.m. start.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.