UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; March 31, 2017ââ'¬" The Penn State women's tennis team battled hard against Maryland, but fell short in the end 4-3. Despite gaining momentum early on in the singles matches, the Nittany Lions were unable to clinch the final point.
"We put ourselves in positions to beat a quality Maryland team tonight but we did not finish off enough opportunities," said head coach Chris Cagle. "We can take the positives and learn from tonight but at the same time this loss stings. I know that we can beat these caliber teams. I look forward to us getting back on the court against Rutgers on Sunday."
In singles, Samantha Smith got the Lions on the board after defeating Kate Yemelyanenka in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Bennett Dunn and Shannon Hanley quickly added to the score winning their matches in straight sets. Dunn beat Hovsepyan 7-6, 6-2 and Hanley picked up the win against Thebault 6-4, 7-5.
In doubles, Blik/Smith defeated Sullivan/Thebault 6-1. Maryland notched the other two doubles matches and clinched the doubles point, taking an early lead.
Penn State returns home this Sunday, April 2 when they take on Rutgers. Doubles is set to begin at 12:00p.m. ET.
Keep up with the Penn State women's tennis team at GoPSUsports.com. For continued updates throughout the year, make sure to `like' our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewten and follow our twitter @pennstateWTEN.
Doubles Results:
1) Stanova/Hovsepyan def. Zuhse/Dunn (PSU) 6-4
2) Tour/Williams def. McCluskey/Hanley (PSU) 6-3
3) Blik/Smith (PSU) def. Sullivan/Thebault 6-1
Singles Results:
1) Stanova def. Blik (PSU) 3-6, 7-6, 6-1
2) Tour def. McCluskey (PSU) 7-6, 3-6, 6-2
3) Sullivan def. Zuhse (PSU) 6-4, 7-5
4) Smith (PSU) def. Yemelyanenka 6-4, 6-4
5) Hanley (PSU) def. Thebault 6-4, 7-5
6) Dunn (PSU) def. Hovsepyan 7-6, 6-2