Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's women's tennis team, currently ranked No. 23, secured a 6-1 victory against Michigan Tech University on Saturday. The match took place in Houghton, Michigan, with Wayne State improving its season record to 8-3 overall and 5-0 in the GLIAC, while Michigan Tech's record fell to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the GLIAC.

In doubles, Wayne State's top pairings established an early advantage. Anais Ruyssen and Dea Gorgidze, playing in the No. 1 spot, won 6-1 against Michigan Tech's Alexandra Nikonenko and Caoimhe McDonnell. Malak Arafat and Justine Beaulieu, in the No. 2 position, achieved the same score against Anamarija Ukic and Efthymia Vasiliki Konstantatou. However, Shanice Weekes and Martyna Szpakowska were narrowly defeated in a close match, 6-7 (12-14), by Chiara Heinz and Emily Rose in the No. 3 slot.

In singles competition, both Ruyssen and Gorgidze continued their success from the doubles round. Ruyssen recorded a 6-1, 6-4 win over Nikonenko, and Gorgidze won 6-2, 6-1 against Ukic. Malak Arafat also performed strongly, defeating McDonnell 6-2, 6-0, maintaining a 9-2 record for the season. Weekes and Shantala Uzcategui added to the team’s wins with Weekes beating Rose 6-4, 6-2, and Uzcategui overcoming Bella Bigari 6-1, 6-0. Beaulieu, competing in the No. 5 singles slot, faced a tough loss to Heinz, finishing 7-5, 4-6, 6-10.

Wayne State looks forward to continuing its streak with an upcoming match against Roosevelt University scheduled for Friday, April 5.