April 12, 2010
Complete Results
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The North Carolina Central University women's tennis team earned their sixth Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win Sunday, April 11 with a 6-1 win over the Aggies of North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C.
"The win over North Carolina A&T completed our team goals this season," said NCCU head coach David Nass. "To win all six of our MEAC matches means were are doing something right."
As is the standard, the Eagles began the match with doubles play. NCCU's No. 1 doubles teammates senior Kateryna Chorna and freshman Oleysa Palko defeated Winnie Quick and Jaymee Jone, 9-8.
"Kateryna and Olesya accomplished the unbelievable," said Nass. "Coming back from a 2-7 deficit to win the match took heart and determination."
Eagles' sophomore Cameron Chatman and senior Ashley Rogers played as the No. 2 doubles team, with an 8-1 win over Azeib Nigatu and Cayle Cross.
The Eagles continued their solid performance during singles play, capturing five out of six wins. "Our top three singles players took on A&T's and the MEAC's top players, and won with great play," said Nass.
NCCU's No. 1 Palko defeated Quick, 7-6 (4), 6-2. Chatman faced Nina Henry during No. 2 play, taking the win, 6-0, 6-2. Chorna went head-to-head with Jaymee Jones as the No. 3 singles player, Chorna won the match 6-1, 6-2.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, Rogers fell to Nigatu 7-5, 6-7 (5) (10-8) for a thrilling No. 4 match.
Eagles' No. 5 Velasquez beat Cross, 7-5, 6-2. "Tatiana came from a near 2-5 loss to win her first set 7-5," explained Nass. "But it was her level-head and focus that led her to the match win."
Closing out the match for the Eagles, No. 6 singles player Maria Medina beat Nianna Henry, 6-1, 6-1.
Prior to the Eagles' successful win over North Carolina A&T, the women's tennis team suffered a 7-0 loss to the Campbell Camels Saturday, April 10 at the Cary Tennis Center in Cary, N.C.
"Our most successful match of the season appears questionable on paper," said Nass. "We played outstanding doubles, which carried over to amazing singles battles."
The women's tennis will compete for Independent Conference honors April 16-18 at Longwood in Farmville, Va. Before their first year appearance in the tournament, the Eagles will close out the regular season with an away match against Western Carolina Wednesday, April 14 in Cullowhee, N.C.
