MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho women’s tennis team concluded its non-conference schedule this weekend at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, suffering a 5-2 loss to New Mexico on Friday before rebounding with a 6-1 victory over South Dakota on Sunday.
Friday’s match against New Mexico saw a strong start for the Vandals in doubles play. The duo of Jessica Matthews and Naomi Schraeder secured a 6-2 win over Coumba Ben Niangadou and Vianca Corley, demonstrating a consistent performance throughout the non-conference season. However, New Mexico ultimately claimed the doubles point, and went on to win the overall match.
In singles competition against New Mexico, Ida Johansson secured the Vandals’ lone victory, winning her match in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 against Yu Yun Tsai. Bente Vandeputte of New Mexico defeated Idaho’s Jessica Matthews 6-2, 6-0. Vianca Corley defeated Chenyue Xu 6-4, 6-6, while Ana Veroux defeated Hanna Koprowska 6-3, 6-3. Lea Malazdra won against Valentina Rodas 7-5, 6-2, 10-7. Mariam Hatem’s match against Coumba Ben Niangadou was unfinished, ending 6-6, 3-6.
Sunday’s match against South Dakota proved more favorable for Idaho. The Vandals swept the doubles matches, with Matthews and Schraeder winning 7-5, Hanna Koprowska and Ida Johansson winning 7-6, and Valentina Rodas and Chenyue Xu winning 6-3.
Idaho continued its success into singles play, winning five of the six matches. Naomi Schraeder secured a straight-set victory 6-2, 6-0, while Chenyue Xu also won in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. Ida Johansson battled to a three-set win 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Mariam Hatem defeated Ketevan Shavishili 6-4, 2-6, 10-3, and Soha Singh defeated Natalia Alves de Lima 6-3, 6-4. The Vandals’ only singles loss came from Selena Bird, who defeated Jessica Matthews 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
The Vandals will now enter conference play with an overall record of 3-6. Their first conference match is scheduled for Friday, February 22nd, against Montana State University at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
