PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Rutgers women's tennis team wrapped up day one of play at ITA Regionals hosted by the University of Pennsylvania on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Four Scarlet Knights competed in the qualifying draw for singles play. Zuzanna Frankowska, Karina Jumazhanova, and Mai Nguyen automatically qualified for the main draw and will play their first matches on Friday.

Zeynep Ilker earned two wins and will move on to the second day of competition.

Singles

Ilker dominated the courts, winning her matches in straight sets. She defeated Leena Kuittinen of Long Island 6-2, 6-1, and Katsiaryna Kostsina of Fairleigh Dickinson, 6-4, 6-2. She will take on Yelena Kim of Fairleigh Dickinson in the Round of 16.

Naomi Karki won her first match against Kelly Dowuona of Saint Francis (PA), 6-4, 6-4, unfortunately falling in the Round of 32.

Savannah Cohen made her collegiate regionals debut, battling for her victory against Mia Palladino of Stony Brook, 5-7, 6-3 (10). After a hard-fought loss in her second match, she will start preparing for doubles play on the first day of the draw on Friday.

Results

Round of 64, Singles
Naomi Karki (Rutgers) def. Kelly Dowuona (Saint Francis–Pa.) 6-4, 6-4
Savannah Cohen (Rutgers) def. Mia Palladino (Stony Brook) 5-7, 6-3 (10)
Zeynep Ilker (Rutgers) def. Leena Kuittinen (Long Island) 6-2, 6-1
Lena Dogadalski (Lehigh) def. Cindy Zhou (Rutgers) 6-3, 6-1

Round of 32, Singles
Varsha Deula (University of Pennsylvania) def. Naomi Karki (Rutgers) 6-3, 6-3
Ansley Cox (Penn State) def. Savannah Cohen (Rutgers) 5-7, 6-4 (10)
Zeynep Ilker (Rutgers) def. Katsiaryna Kostsina (Fairleigh Dickinson) 6-4, 6-2

Next Up

The Scarlet Knights will return to action Friday at the Hecht Tennis Center. Doubles will kick things off at 9 a.m., followed by singles.

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