COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Rutgers tennis team faced a tough challenge on the road, falling 4-1 to No. 50 Maryland. This matchup saw the Scarlet Knights (6-6, 0-3 B1G) battling hard against a formidable Terrapins squad (10-2, 2-1 B1G).
Head coach Hilary Ritchie noted, "This was a good, competitive college match. Everyone fought hard.
We need to capitalize on big points against Big Ten opponents. The players are still confident in our ability to keep improving."
Doubles Action
In doubles, Rutgers showed grit but couldn't secure the doubles point. The duo of Karina Jumazhanova and Zeynep Ilker delivered a commanding performance on the second court, winning 6-3. Meanwhile, Stella Schmitz and Naomi Karki engaged in a nail-biter on the final court, trading points with Maryland before narrowly falling in a tiebreak, 7-6 (4).
Singles Matches
Maryland clinched the win with three singles victories. However, Schmitz carried her doubles momentum into singles, earning her first conference win with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory on the fourth court. Zuzanna Frankowska and Savannah Cohen also showed promise, each capturing sets before their matches went unfinished.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will look to bounce back as they host Cornell on Monday, March 16 at 11 a.m. The team remains optimistic, focusing on refining their play and seizing those critical points in future matches.