HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 22, 2024) – The Lady Pirates tennis team will be traveling to face North Carolina Central on Friday in Cary, N.C., and to Elon on Saturday in Elon, N.C.
Friday's dual will start at 11:00 AM at the Cary Tennis Park and Saturday's action kicks off at noon at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
The Lady Pirates are starting 3-1 for the second season in a row. After falling to the Loyola Greyhounds in their first match of the season, 3-4, Hampton rallied to defeat its next three opponents by multiple points. The Lady Pirates defeated Morgan State 6-1, Christopher Newport 8-1, and Longwood 5-2.
Hampton is looking to achieve its fourth straight win, something they haven't done since the 2017-18 season.
So Far This Season
Mio Kozaki is undefeated in singles play with a 4-0 record. Teammates Lucia Jorrin Fernandez and Meiri Okuwaki are 3-1. Diana Starodubtseva, Masa Mitic, and Sofia Sokokova all have two wins. There have been five different groups of doubles partners that have competed for the Lady Pirates this season. They are highlighted by Starodubtseva and Jorrin Fernandez (2-0) and Kozaki and Sokolova (2-2).
Scouting the NCCU Eagles
Sofia Rachi is in her first season as coach of the women's tennis team, after spending a season as the interim coach. The team has started the season with a 0-8 record and suffered losses to ranked teams #8 NC State (0-7) and #15 Duke (0-7).
Alejandra Hidalgo Vega leads the Eagles with a singles record of 3-4. She is followed by four teammates who have one win. Candice Bernier and Patricia Palencia are the only duo that have won a doubles match.
Scouting the Elon Phoenix
This season is Elizabeth Anderson's 20th in the head coaching position for the women's team. She has led the team to 13 or more wins in 12 straight seasons, including an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.
The Phoenix hold a 4-4 record and have beat Longwood (5-2), Norfolk State (7-0), Gardner-Webb (6-1), and Shaw (7-0). Sisters Mariana and Lizette Reding have posted the most wins for Elon in singles (5-2, 5-3). Simone Bergeron and Ella Suk are undefeated in doubles (4-0) while Madison Cordisco and Mariana Reding are 5-2.
