Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska women’s tennis team (9-5, 0-3 Big Ten) had a strong start against the #35 Northwestern Wildcats (12-4, 3-0) but fell 3-4 in the Big Ten Friday matchup. Despite an upset win and clinching the doubles point, the conference dual came down to Court 5, and the Big Red came up just short.
In doubles play, No. 75 Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko defeated Britany Lau and Maria Shusarina 6-2 on Court 2. Then, on Court 1, Raphaëlle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated No. 50 Christina Hand and Justine Leong 6-2 to put the Huskers in the lead going into singles. Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy’s match was abandoned at 3-4 after securing the doubles point on Courts 1 and 2.
For the singles competition, Court 1 Lacasse was defeated 3-6,1-6 by Maria Shusarina to tie Northwestern with Big Red. Pietrowicz on Court 4 lost to Pratt 4-6, 2-6, putting the Wildcats in the lead. Court 6 Loy grabbed the 6-2, 6-3, win against freshman Neena Feldman to keep her undefeated streak alive. Adrover Gallego took the first set on Court 3, but ultimately fell to No. 88 Christina Hand 6-3, 3-6, 1-6. On Court 2, Danilchenko won in straight sets 7-6 (8) and 6-4 against Justine Leong. With the match tied up, Zamburek pushed Kiley Rabjohns to three sets, but lost 6-4, 5-7, 4-6.
Up next, the Huskers will host #34 Illinois on Sunday, March 24, at 11 a.m. (CT). The match will be streamed on Playsight, and live stats will be posted on huskers.com.
#35 Northwestern 4, Nebraska 3
Singles competition
1. Maria Shusharina (NU) def. Raphaelle Lacasse (NEB) 6-3, 6-1
2. Anfisa Danilchenko (NEB) def. Justine Leong (NU) 7-6 (10-8), 6-4
3. #88 Christina Hand (NU) def. Isa Adrover Gallego (NEB) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
4. Sydney Pratt (NU) def. Maja Pietrowicz (NEB) 6-4, 6-2
5. Kiley Rabjohns (NU) def. Ana Zamburek (NEB) 4-6, 7-5, 6-4
6. Lucy Loy (NEB) def. Nenna Feldman (NU) 6-2, 6-4
Doubles competition
1. Raphaelle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (NEB) def. #50 Christina Hand/Justine Leong (NU) 6-3
2. #47 Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (NEB) def. Britany Lau/Maria Shusharina (NU) 6-2
3. Isa Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (NEB) vs. Sydney Pratt/Nenna Feldman (NU) 3-4, unfinished