WILMINGTON, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's tennis team started its 2022 spring season off as it left the fall season off, defeating NCAA Division I Wagner, 6-1, o Friday afternoon at the Delcastle Tennis Center.
It is the first match for the Wildcats since winning the 2021 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Championship against Jefferson, 4-0, on October 23.
The Wildcats picked up right where they left off in the fall, not losing a doubles match. They are now 27-1 overall on the season in doubles matches.
Larize Nel then started the singles matches off on the right foot against the NCAA Division I opponent, winning at No. 4 singles, 6-1 and 6-1. Marley Trifunovic added to the Wildcats' lead with a 7-6 (7-3) and 6-2 victory at No. 5 singles before Valentina Ivankovic gave the Wildcats the team win with a 6-1 and 7-6 (9-7) victory at No. 3 singles.
Neus Ramos Moreno came back from a first set loss to win at No. 1 singles, 2-6, 6-4, and 6-2 before Fenna Swaan won her second singles match of the year by coming from behind as well, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, and 7-5 at No. 6 singles to close out the victory.
The Wildcats, ranked No. 36 in the NCAA Division II ITA National Rankings, will play the top team in the region in the University of the District of Columbia next Wednesday. The Firebirds are ranked No. 15 in the latest Division II ITA National Rankings. The first serve is set for 1:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C.