PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers tennis opened its season with a 6-1 victory over Army on Saturday afternoon at the East Brunswick Racquet Club. The Scarlet Knights earned the team doubles point and five singles victories for the win. Freshmen Minchae Kim and Jackeline Lopez made their collegiate debuts for RU in the match. 

"We had a pretty good fall season so that gave us the confidence we needed. We started the season with a good win to give us the confidence to play Big Ten matches, and also non-conference matches. I think all of us did a great job, the cheering was amazing. The word was confidence today, so we did a good job with that," said sophomore Daira Cardenas, who clinched the match for Rutgers. 
 

DOUBLES POINT

Rutgers claimed the doubles point to take an early 1-0 lead in the match. Sophomore Alisa Prinyarux and freshman Jackeline Lopez posted a 6-2 win at the No. 3 doubles position. Senior Tess Fisher and freshman Minchae Kim then cruised to a 6-0 victory at the No. 1 doubles spot, securing the team point for RU.
 

SINGLES

In singles play, senior Sydney Kaplan led the way with a 6-4, 7-5 victory at the No. 3 spot, extending the RU edge to 2-0. Freshman Jackeline Lopez followed with a 6-2, 6-3 win at the No. 2 position. 

Sophomore Daira Cardenas went on to clinch the match at the No. 4 spot for RU, posting a 6-4, 7-5 victory for a 4-0 Scarlet Knight advantage. Senior Kristiana Zahare notched a 6-2, 7-6 (1), 10-5 at the No. 5 spot, while Kim rallied a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 triumph at the No. 6 position. 
 

UP NEXT

Rutgers splits its weekend first with a home match against NJIT on Friday, January 28. The Scarlet Knights then travel to UPenn on Saturday, January 29.
 

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