The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) women’s tennis team embarked on their spring season this week, facing formidable opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference at the Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. The Eagles competed against Virginia Tech and Duke University in back-to-back matches, both of which concluded with 4-0 losses for NCCU.

In the opening match against Virginia Tech, the Hokies showcased their strength, securing a victory through three singles wins and the doubles point. Juniors Alejandra Hidalgo Vega and Valeria San Miguel Soria encountered tough competition, losing to the ranked duo of Charlotte Cartledge and Ozlem Uslu in doubles. Freshman Mariana Zottoli also faced a challenging opponent in No.2 singles, ultimately falling short. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the match.

A few hours later, the Eagles took on the highly-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Duke secured an early lead by winning the doubles points in the second and third positions. Although the No.1 doubles match between Hidalgo Vega and San Miguel Soria versus Coleman and Balus remained unfinished, Duke clinched the match with three straight-set victories in singles. The remaining singles matches were left unfinished as the Eagles continued to battle against top-tier players.

The NCCU women’s tennis team will have some time to regroup before their next challenge. On January 31st, they will travel to Greenville, North Carolina, to face East Carolina University. This upcoming match offers an opportunity for the Eagles to build on their experiences and showcase their growth. The spirit of perseverance and dedication displayed by the team highlights the importance of continuous improvement and facing challenges head-on, embodying the true essence of competitive sports.