The Rutgers Scarlet Knights tennis team pulled off an impressive 4-0 victory over Cornell, marking a significant win at home against an Ivy League opponent. This triumph is their first against an Ivy League team at home since they edged out Penn back in February 2020. It’s also a sweet repeat of their last win over Cornell in 2024.
Head coach Hilary Ritchie couldn’t have been prouder, noting the resilience her team showed. "Cornell never gave in," Ritchie said, highlighting how the Scarlet Knights had to earn every singles win. Zeynep Ilker's performance was particularly noteworthy as she clinched the match in a thrilling third set, providing the momentum Rutgers needs for their upcoming home matches.
Doubles Delight
Rutgers set the tone early, snagging the doubles point with two exhilarating victories. The dynamic duo of Mai Nguyen and Zuzanna Frankowska showcased their synergy on the top court, securing a 6-3 win.
This victory adds to their impressive 8-4 record this spring. Meanwhile, Stella Schmitz and Naomi Karki mirrored that success with another 6-3 triumph in the third spot.
Singles Success
In singles play, Frankowska continued her stellar form with a swift straight-sets victory (6-3, 6-1) at the No. 2 position, giving Rutgers a 2-0 lead. Freshman Savannah Cohen was unstoppable on the final court, claiming her first Big Ten victory with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 win. Cohen now leads the team with seven singles victories this spring.
The remaining matches were nail-biters, each stretching to three sets. Zeynep Ilker delivered when it mattered most, clinching the match at the fourth spot with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 victory.
Match Results
Doubles:
- Mai Nguyen / Zuzanna Frankowska (RU) def. Michelle Ryndin/Sage Loudon (CORN) 6-3
- Karina Jumazhanova / Zeynep Ilker (RU) vs. Victoria Zhao / Andrea Martinez (CORN) 4-4, unfinished
- Stella Schmitz / Naomi Karki (RU) def. Emma Baker / Dylan Gelber (CORN) 6-3
Singles:
- Mai Nguyen (RU) vs. Michelle Ryndin (CORN) 3-6, 6-2, 4-5, unfinished
- Zuzanna Frankowska (RU) def. Sage Loudon (CORN) 6-3, 6-1
- Karina Jumazhanova (RU) vs. Victoria Zhao (CORN) 6-3, 6-7 (3), 2-5, unfinished
- Zeynep Ilker (RU) def. Dylan Gelber (CORN) 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
- Stella Schmitz (RU) vs. Andrea Martinez (CORN) 7-6, 2-6, 2-
- Savannah Cohen (RU) def. Emma Baker (CORN) 6-3, 6-0
Looking ahead, Rutgers will host Minnesota in their Big Ten home opener on Saturday, March 21. The Scarlet Knights will aim to build on this victory and keep the momentum rolling.