WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The Niagara Purple Eagles were defeated by the No. 1 seed Quinnipiac Bobcats, 4-0, in the 2015 MAAC Women's Tennis Championship Match on Sunday at Mercer Count Park.
The Purple Eagles, who were making their first appearance in the final since 2009, were searching for the program's third title (2003 & 2005). However, NU had its season, along with its six-match winning streak, come to an end by the defending champions.
Quinnipiac edged Niagara, 4-3, in the first meeting this season but capture four straight points in today's match to win the championship.
The Bobcats won the doubles point after picking up wins at No. 1 and 3 doubles. Quinnipiac led 3-0 after winning at No. 2 and 3 singles in straight sets. Two Purple Eagles were up a set in their respective matches.
Maria Ortiz led Rachel Horton in five singles and
Brooke Briseno was up a set on Michelle Dassa in six singles.
Though, the final point came at No. 4 singles. After dropping the first set, 6-1, freshman
Stella Peisakhova trailed 5-0 in the second set before cutting the score to 5-4. However, Quinnipiac's Sydney Young closed out the set to seal the championship.
Quinnipiac University 4, Niagara University 0
Singles competition
1. Dzulynsky, Sophia (QUI-W) def. Celan, Iva (NIAW) 6-3, 6-1
2. Raynor, Jacqueline (QUI-W) def. Ta, Ashley (NIAW) 6-0, 6-0
3. Rencheli, Sitilia (QUI-W) vs. Velasquez, Paulina (NIAW) 6-3, 5-3, unfinished
4. Young, Sydney (QUI-W) def. Peisakhova, Stella (NIAW) 6-1, 6-4
5. Horton, Rachel (QUI-W) vs. Ortiz, Maria (NIAW) 4-6, 5-5, unfinished
6. Dassa, Michelle (QUI-W) vs. Briseno, Brooke (NIAW) 5-7, 5-3, unfinished
Doubles competition
1. Raynor, Jacqueline/Dassa, Michelle (QUI-W) def. Ortiz, Maria/Velasquez, Paulina (NIAW) 8-5
2. Young, Sydney/Horton, Rachel (QUI-W) vs. Briseno, Brooke/Peisakhova, Stella (NIAW) 7-6, unfinished
3. Dzulynsky, Sophia/Rencheli, Sitilia (QUI-W) def. Celan, Iva/Ta, Ashley (NIAW) 8-1
Match Notes:
Niagara University 11-8
Quinnipiac University 14-8
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (2,1,4)
