Minnesota Tennis Triumph: Gophers Claim First Big Ten Win Against Rutgers
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s tennis team celebrated a remarkable victory, defeating Rutgers with a convincing 4-0 scoreline at the vibrant Baseline Tennis Center. With this win, the Gophers improved their season record to 9-10, marking their first win in Big Ten play, propelling them to 1-5 in conference action.
Coach Arterberry’s Pride: A Team United
Head coach Lois Arterberry expressed her pride in the team's performance:
"I'm super proud of how the girls showed up today. We practice all week for high-pressure moments and learned how to work through tough situations. Today, we had the opportunity to implement that, and we got the job done. Doubles was crucial, so we knew we had to start the match strong, and we did that by securing the doubles point. I'm really proud of how we came together as a team. Rutgers was a tough opponent, and we know Maryland will be another challenge, but we're prepared and ready to compete."
Key Moments in the Match
The Gophers set the tone early by clinching the doubles point, demonstrating their prowess on the court. At the No. 1 doubles position, Mia Liepert and Anali Kocevar achieved their third consecutive Big Ten victory with an impressive 6-1 win against Mai Nguyen and Naomi Karki. This momentum was further solidified by Jeselle Ante and Sofia Pinto, who secured the doubles point with a nail-biting 7-5 victory over Jackeline Lopez and Karina Jumazhanova.
In singles play, Minnesota showcased its strength by winning decisively at the No. 6, No. 5, and No. 3 positions. Jeselle Ante ignited the Gophers’ charge by crushing Cindy Zhou with a solid 6-2, 6-2 performance. Continuing this winning streak, Anlin Xie followed suit with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win against Zeynep Ilker. Finally, Anali Kocevar sealed the match for Minnesota, triumphing over Karina Jumazhanova with a 6-4, 7-5 score.
Match Results
Doubles
Anali Kocevar/Mia Liepert (MINN) def. Mai Nguyen/Naomi Karki (RU) 6-1
Jeselle Ante/Sofia Pinto (MINN) def. Jackie Lopez/Karina Jumazhanova (RU) 7-5
Deniz Turan/Arina Valitova (MINN) vs. Minchae Kim/Cindy Zhou (RU) 4-5, unfinished
Singles
Aiva Schmitz (MINN) vs. Mai Nguyen (RU) 5-7, 5-4, unfinished
Mia Liepert (MINN) vs. Zuzanna Frankowska (RU) 6-3, 4-6, unfinished
Anali Kocevar (MINN) def. Karina Jumazhanova (RU) 6-4, 7-5
Sofia Pinto (MINN) vs. Jackie Lopez (RU) 2-6, 5-5, unfinished
Anlin Xie (MINN) def. Zeynep Ilker (RU) 6-3, 6-4
Jeselle Ante (MINN) def. Cindy Zhou (RU) 6-2, 6-2
Order of Finish
Doubles: (1, 2)
Singles: (6, 5, 3)
Gopher Notables: A Season Turning Point
First Big Ten Doubles Point: Minnesota earned the doubles point for the first time in Big Ten play this season.
Historical Victory: This win over Rutgers marks Minnesota's first triumph against them since April 1, 2022.
Debut Success: Ante and Pinto celebrated their first Big Ten doubles win, crucial for securing the doubles point.
Winning Streak: Liepert and Kocevar have won their last three doubles matches against Rutgers, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Ante Shines: Jeselle Ante achieved her first Big Ten victory of the season with a powerful 6-2, 6-2 victory.
Upcoming Matches: Ready for Challenge
The Golden Gophers are set to host Nebraska on March 30 at the Baseline Tennis Center.
Cancer Awareness Match: Don’t miss the chance to support cancer awareness during the match against Maryland on Sunday.
Conclusion
With this significant win against Rutgers, the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s tennis team has not only rejuvenated their season but has also showcased a strong sense of unity and determination. The Gophers are primed for the challenges ahead, ready to climb the ranks in the ever-competitive Big Ten. Keep an eye on their journey, as they aim to build on this victory and continue to shine on the college tennis stage!
