Jan. 24, 2017
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Miami University's women's tennis team kicked of its season today with a match against the University of Kentucky. The RedHawks played hard, but ultimately fell 5-2.
Junior Nelli Ponomareva came out on top in her singles match vs. Kentucky's Justina Mikulshkyte, Ponomareva handily took the first set, 6-1. She fell short in the second 3-6, but returned in the final set to win 6-1. Sophomore Anzhelika Shapovalova fell in her match to UK's Aldila Sutjiadi, (7-5, 6-1). Senior Andreea Badileanu was defeated by Akvile Parazinskaite (6-2, 7-6 (8-6)). Morgan Chumney of Kentucky defeated Miami's Junior Anastasiia Vasiukhina in their respective match, (7-5, 6-1). Sophomore Emily Struble picked up a match due to her opponent, Emily Fanning, retiring.
In doubles action, Ponomareva and Vasiukhina dropped their match to UK's Aldila Sutjiadi and Mami Adachi, 6-0. Struble and Badileanu fell in their competition with Mikulskyte Fanning from Kentucky.
The RedHawks return this weekend for their home opener against the University of Cincinnati at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Riverside Tennis Club in Hamilton, Ohio.
