Rutgers women's tennis team showcased their prowess with a commanding 4-0 victory over Army, improving their season record to 5-2. The Scarlet Knights, playing at the East Brunswick Racquet Club, dominated in doubles and secured singles wins through standout performances by Zeynep Ilker, Stella Schmitz, and Savannah Cohen.
Head coach Hilary Ritchie expressed her satisfaction with the team's doubles performance, highlighting the emphasis on positioning that paid off. She praised the freshmen for their decisive two-set victories and acknowledged Army's competitive spirit, noting the match as excellent preparation for their upcoming face-off against Yale.
Doubles Action
Rutgers clinched the doubles point with authority. Mai Nguyen and Zuzanna Frankowska set the tone with a decisive 6-1 win. Following suit, the duo of Zeynep Ilker and Stella Schmitz secured their match with the same scoreline, ensuring Rutgers claimed the doubles point.
Singles Triumphs
Zeynep Ilker led the singles charge with a straight-set victory, 6-3, 6-3, on court six. Freshmen Stella Schmitz and Savannah Cohen continued the momentum, each securing wins on courts one and seven, respectively, sealing the overall win for Rutgers.
Match Results
Doubles
- Mai Nguyen / Zuzanna Frankowska (Rutgers) def.
Madison Smith/Stacey Samonte (Army) 6-1
- Emily Ruckno/Olivia Mellynchuk (Army) vs.
Naomi Karki / Karina Jumazhanova (Rutgers) 4-3 (DNF)
- Zeynep Ilker / Stella Schmitz (Rutgers) def.
Chelsie Son/Sarah Yan (Army) 6-1
Singles
- Mai Nguyen (Rutgers) vs.
Madison Smith (Army) 7-6 (2), 4-3 (DNF)
- Zuzanna Frankowska (Rutgers) vs.
Emily Ruckno (Army) 6-2, 4-6, 3-2 (DNF)
- Karina Jumazhanova (Rutgers) vs.
Stacey Samonte (Army) 5-7, 6-4, 2-0 (DNF)
- Zeynep Ilker (Rutgers) def.
Olivia Mellynchuk (Army) 6-3, 6-3
- Stella Schmitz (Rutgers) def.
Chelsie Son (Army) 6-3, 6-3
- Savannah Cohen (Rutgers) def.
Sarah Yan (Army) 6-4, 6-4
Looking Ahead
Rutgers is set to host Yale on Friday, Feb. 27, at 12 p.m. at the East Brunswick Racquet Club. Fans can keep up with Rutgers women's tennis on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest updates and highlights.