Tennis Holds Off Army in Close Battle

Wednesday, January 31

East Brunswick, NJ

1:30 PM

Rutgers

Army

Box Score

Jan 31 | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Rutgers tennis picked a 4-3 victory over Army on Wednesday afternoon at the East Brunswick Racquet Club. The Scarlet Knights claimed the doubles point and three singles matches for the win.

RU moved to an overall record of 2-0 on the season, while Army fell to 0-3 in dual matches.

"Army is very tenacious and we know every year it is going to be a dog fight," said head coach Hilary Ritchie. "The team as excited to come out, but they knew they needed to work. Everybody had a piece in this win so it feels really good to know that individually players can step up when we need them to so that was big."

Sophomore Jaci Cochrane and freshman Maya Jacobs teamed up to post the first win at double position No. 2, racing to a 6-1 victory over Army's Kirby Einck and Gloria Son.

A tight battle at the No. 3 spot saw senior Chloe Lee and freshman Isabelle Da Silva tied at four with the Black Knights' Genevieve McCormick and Danna Funaro. However, Army would edge out the win 6-4 to balance the doubles battle.

At the No. 1 spot, senior Mingxiu Du and sophomore Kat Muzik were also in a tight battle with Army's Melanie Allen and Ana Joyner. The Scarlet Knights broke away to take a 6-4 win in the matchup and secure the doubles point for the Scarlet Knights.

Moving to singles play, Cochrane carried the early momentum for a smooth 6-3, 6-2 victory over opponent McCormick at the No. 4 spot to give RU its first singles point. Muzik followed suit at the No. 3 position with a 6-4, 6-1 win against Einck to give the Scarlet Knights a 3-0 lead in the match.

Army's Sarah Inchauste edged Da Silva in a close contest at the No. 6 spot for the win (6-4, 6-2), cutting into the margin 3-1.

The remaining singles matches were all neck-and-neck battles on the courts, each moving to a deciding third set.

Jacobs never let up to seal the Rutgers victory at the No. 5 spot, posting a final score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

"It felt good to clinch the match because you think of all the time that we practice and hours that we put in. Then you are in a match looking down the courts at the scores and that gives you the motivation to do it and finish," said Jacobs.

"Especially against a team like Army, they are not giving up, they are not going away. You have to stay on your game, stay focused and stay headstrong. So when I won the match for the team I was like, 'I did it! Yes!'"

Up next, Rutgers will travel to Delaware for a Sunday matchup at 3 p.m. ET.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's tennis, follow the program on Facebook (RutgersTennis), Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersTennis). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.

- RU-