Rutgers University
Michigan State
Tennis Edged by No. 73 Michigan State
Mar 13 | Women's Tennis
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (March 13,2015) - Returning home following a three-match road stand, the Rutgers women's tennis team was edged by No. 73 Michigan State in its Big Ten home opener on Friday afternoon. The loss snapped a three-game home winning streak.
Rutgers moves to an overall record of 5-5 and 0-3 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State improves to a mark of 12-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
"Today was a great collegiate tennis match. It was very close and exciting," said head coach Ben Bucca. "Both teams played strong aggressive tennis. I am proud of our team as they fought nationally ranked Michigan State from the first point right through to the last point."
The Spartans captured the team doubles point with two victories at the No. 1 and No. 2 spot. However, Rutgers found its momentum in singles play.
Freshman Chloe Lee (Albuquerque, N.M.)claimed her first Big Ten victory over Aslina Chua by the scores of 6-4, 7-5. Senior Lindsey Balsamo (Wall, N.J.)topped Catherine Parenteau by the decisive result of 6-0, 6-3.
At the No. 5 spot, junior Mariam Zein (Sugarland, Texas) put up a strong fight. After falling in the first set 7-6 (3), Zein claimed the next set, 6-1, however, she was edged 6-4 in the final set.
A similar battle played out at the No. 1 spot in which junior Gina Li (Hillsborough, N.J.) recorded a strong 6-2 victory over Erin Faulker to open the matchup. Li pushed hard in the next set, falling by the small margin of 7-5. Ultimately, she fell just short of victory with a loss in the third set.
Up next, Rutgers travels to Charleston, S.C. for two matches against host College of Charleston and Buffalo on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17,respectively.
Doubles
1. Erin Faulkner/Athena Trauillot (MSU) def. Mariam Zein/Gina Li (RU); 8-3
2. Catherine Parenteau/Allie Baer (MSU) def. Lindsay Balsamo/Chloe Lee (RU); 8-4
3. Lee Levy/Lindsey Kayati (RU) vs. Emily Meyers/Lexi Baylis; DNF at 6-4
Singles
1. Erin Faulker (MSU) def. Gina Li (RU); 2-6, 7-5, 6-0
2. Lexi Baylis (MSU) def. Lindsey Kayati (RU); 6-0, 6-2
3. Chloe Lee (RU) def. Aslina Chua (MSU); 6-4, 7-5
4. Lindsay Balsamo (RU) def. Catherine Parenteau (MSU); 6-0, 6-3
5. Athena Trouillot (MSU) def. Mariam Zein (RU); 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-4
6. Emily Meyers (MSU) def. Lee Levy(RU); 7-5, 6-4
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