North Central College’s women’s tennis team advanced in the NCAA Tournament with a 4-2 victory over Coe College. The match took place at the Stagg Tennis Courts, where North Central secured an early lead by winning the doubles point.
Abigail Penados and Natalie Bassett earned the first win of the day by defeating Alliandra Hagness and Addison Leasure 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Liveta Ezerskis and Meghan McSweeney also triumphed at No. 3, overcoming Sophia Fian and Alice Tysoe with a score of 6-1, giving the Cardinals a 2-1 advantage. Meanwhile, Kate Herlihy and Kensington Payne were leading 5-1 at No. 2 when the doubles point was concluded.
Coe College managed to level the score with a victory at No. 3 singles. However, Penados restored North Central’s lead by defeating Fain in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, at the top spot. Ezerskis further extended their lead with a straightforward win of 6-4, 6-2 at No. 4 before Bassett sealed the match for North Central with a comeback victory of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 over Leasure.
The win propels North Central into the tournament’s second round where they will meet University of Chicago for a rematch this season. The upcoming encounter is scheduled for Saturday at Stagg Tennis Courts starting at 2 p.m.
