COCOA BEACH, Fla. – The fight the North Carolina A&T women's tennis showed remarkable fortitude on Wednesday but could not overcome a forfeit in doubles play in a 4-3 loss to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) at the Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach.
Wednesday marked the Aggies' first loss of the season as they dropped to 3-1. The Aggies have experienced incredible success early this season despite having only four players. BGSU came into the match with a 2-0 lead in singles play because the Aggies had to forfeit twice. But sophomore Isabela Romanichen got the Aggies going with a win at No. 1 singles over Lucy Furness, 6-4, 6-0.
"I had some real top-tier serves and plays, which motivated me to keep working," said Romanichen. "Even though we lost, supporting my teammates fighting in three-set matches was really nice. It was Aggie Pride, no matter what."
One of those three-set encounters occurred at No. 2 singles with sophomore Nour Gueblaoui. Gueblaoui started her match against Hannah Neuman on a high note, taking a 5-2 lead. Neuman fought back to cut Gueblaoui's lead to 5-4, but Gueblaoui used her serve to win the first set 6-4. She lost some crucial points in the second set as Nueman forced a third set with a 6-3 win. Neuman used the momentum from the second set to take a 4-2 lead in the third.
"I just remember telling myself to stay calm and keep fighting," Gueblaoui said. "I knew I was doing the right thing and that I just had to keep fighting."
Gueblaoui's thoughts proved effective for her. She broke Neuman's serve and improved to 4-0 on the season by defeating Neuman 7-5. A&T kept rolling with a win at No. 4 singles to take a 3-2 lead. Sophomore Hana El Sherif lost the first set to Tia Clemens 7-5 before battling to a 7-5 win in the second set. She then succeeded in giving the Aggies the lead with a 6-4 win in the third set.
But the Falcons tied the match at 3-3 with a thrilling win at No. 3 singles. Isabella Baker defeated freshman Tabeth Tadoum, 6-1, 6-7 (9-7), 6-2. Tadoum's loss made the match come down to doubles play. BGU went into doubles play with an advantage because the Aggies had to forfeit No. 3 doubles.
Gueblaoui and Tadem won at No. 2 doubles with a 7-6 win over Ioannaa Tsadari and Eloise Saraty. However, the Falcons earned the win when Furness and Neuman defeated Romanichen and El Sherif at No. 1 doubles.
"Even though we lost, everyone fought hard and did their best," said Gueblaoui. "I'm very proud of how we all showed up today. We confirmed how tough we are and that four is enough to win matches. For now, we will get back to work for our next match."
