Charlotte, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University women's tennis team fell to Johnson C. Smith University 4-1 on Tuesday afternoon at West Charlotte High School.
How It Happened
Winston-Salem State battled early in doubles competition but was unable to secure the point as JCSU claimed victories on the top courts to take an early 1-0 lead.
In singles play, the Rams looked to respond, highlighted by McKinley Battle at No. 1 singles. Battle delivered WSSU's lone point of the match with a solid straight-sets victory, showing composure and control against her opponent.
However, JCSU proved to be too strong across the remainder of the lineup. The Golden Bulls secured wins in multiple singles positions, including key straight-set victories that allowed them to clinch the match before the remaining courts could be completed.
Doubles
JCSU secured the early advantage, winning the doubles point with victories on Courts No. 1 and No. 2.
Order of Finish: 2, 1
Singles
The Rams picked up a point at the top of the lineup, but JCSU controlled the remaining courts to clinch the match.
- No. 1: McKinley Battle (WSSU) def. Divija Manneni – 6-2, 6-4
- No. 2: Farah Elshahat (JCSU) def. Makayla Stewart – 6-2, 2-1 (ret.)
- No. 3: Makayla Ramos (JCSU) def. Kyla Burns – 6-0, 6-0
- No. 4: Auset Bligen (JCSU) vs. Briana Drew – 6-3, 5-2 (unfinished)
- No. 5: A. Gilbert-Simons (JCSU) vs. Iyana Nickens – 6-3, 4-3 (unfinished)
- No. 6: JCSU – win by default
Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2
The Rams will look to make some noise in the CIAA Championships April 24-25 on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
