Huskers Fall to Terrapins in Big Ten Tournament

Madison, Wisc.- The Nebraska Women's tennis fell to Maryland 4-3 in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. The No. 5 seed Huskers lost just its fifth doubles point of the season and were unable to come back in singles play. 
 
Doubles
In the doubles portion of the day, Kristina Novak and Maja Makoric fell to Maryland duo Ayana Akli and Eva Alexandrova at No. 1. Hayley Haakenstad and Chloe Kuckelman answered as they overpowered Terrapins Zoe Kulkarni and Ebony Sampson 6-3 at the No. 3 spot. 
 
With the doubles point on the line, Claire Reifeis and Isabel Adrover Gallego fought Minorka Miranda and Adela Josefova into a tiebreaker before ultimately falling 6-7 at No. 2. 
 
Singles
In singles action, Reifeis responded for the Huskers, defeating Adela Josefova 6-2, 6-1 at the No. 4 spot.
 
At No. 2, Adrover Gallego fell to Eva Alexandrova  6-1, 7-6 (4) to give the Terrapin a 2-1 advantage. 
 
Samantha Alicea responded with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ebony Sampson at No. 6.
 
At No. 1, Kristina Novak was unable to top No. 38 Ayana Akli, dropping the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
 
Kuckelman evened the match up at 3-3 as she took down Zoe Kulkarni 6-0, 4-6, 6-4. 
 
With the match on the line, Maryland's Minorka Miranda defeated Maja Makoric 7-6, 3-6, 6-1 to take the match and move the Terrapins into the next round of the tournament.
 
Results
 
Singles
1. #38 Ayana Akli (UMD) def. Kristina Novak (NEB) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
2. Eva Alexandrova (UMD) def. Isa Adrover Gallego (NEB) 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)
3. Minorka Miranda (UMD) def. Maja Makoric (NEB) 7-6, 3-6, 6-1
4. Claire Reifeis (NEB) def. Adela Josefova (UMD) 6-2, 6-1
5. Chloe Kuckelman (NEB) def. Zoe Kulkarni (UMD) 6-0, 4-6, 6-4
6. Samantha Alicea (NEB) def. Ebony Sampson (UMD) 6-3, 6-3
 
 
Doubles
1. Ayana Akli/Eva Alexandrova (UMD) def. Kristina Novak/Maja Makoric (NEB) 6-2
2. Minorka Miranda/Adela Josefova (UMD) def. Claire Reifeis/Isa Adrover Gallego (NEB) 7-6 (7-4)
 3. Hayley Haakenstad/Chloe Kuckelman (NEB) def. Zoe Kulkarni/Ebony Sampson (UMD) 6-3
 
Match Notes:
Maryland 3-15, 1-15
Nebraska 11-6, 11-5
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (4,2,6,1,5,3)
2021 Big Ten Women's Tennis Tournament Second Round