By Marlene Estenssoro Pineda
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina A&T lost 6-1 Friday afternoon to Queens University in non-conference women's tennis action at the Howard Levine Tennis Center.
A&T freshman Cielo Tapia-Cruz improved to 6-4 in singles play on the season with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Grace Forbes at No. 3 singles. Tapia Cruz also had a win in doubles. She teamed with sophomore Florielvis Hurtado Pernaleta to defeat Walker Gagnon and Emma Hidalgo 6-0 at No. 2 doubles.
The duo improved to 4-3 on the season. Tapia-Cruz is a part of the rebuilding process head coach Ansel Dejon Bevins implemented when he earned the top spot at A&T. The Aggies did lose the doubles point as they forfeited at No. 3, and Hannah Axelsson and Amelie Allard defeated freshman Manuela Jimenez and senior Marlene Estenssoro Pineda 6-3 at No. 1 doubles.
In singles play, the Aggies forfeited No. 6 before Jimenez lost at No. 2 singles 6-3, 6-1 to Katya Khramtcova. Trinity Oliver then lost to Grace Sheldrick 6-1, 6-1 at No. 5.
Hurtado lost in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 against Caity Klaasen. At No. 4, Estenssoro lost 6-4, 6-2 to Allard.
The Aggies will compete on March 27 at Longwood University at 1 p.m.
