North Carolina A&T Women’s Tennis Concludes Successful Fall Season at Seahawk Ocean Classic
WILMINGTON, NC – The North Carolina A&T women’s tennis team wrapped up a strong fall season yesterday, highlighted by a series of competitive matches at UNC Wilmington’s Seahawk Ocean Classic, positioning them for a potential run at one of the program’s best spring seasons.
The Aggies faced Campbell University, securing wins from junior Randy Rakotoarilala, sophomore Juana Gomez-Weiss, and junior Tabeth Tadoum, despite a narrow 4-3 loss overall. Rakotoarilala defeated Sonia Pieczynska 4-6, 6-4, 8-3 (ret.), while Gomez-Weiss won 7-6 (3), 1-6, 10-6, and Tadoum took down Brooke Murphy 6-2, 6-1. Later in the weekend, A&T achieved a decisive 7-0 victory over UNC Greensboro, with Rakotoarilala winning her singles match 6-1, 0-6, 10-8. “It was a match that we won completely as a team,” said Gomez-Weiss. “We knew UNCG was underestimating us, and that was the motivation we needed.”
The tournament also included matches against Davidson and Seton Hall, resulting in a 2-1 doubles loss to Davidson and a 4-3 loss to Seton Hall. Throughout the weekend, the Aggies demonstrated resilience, with several matches going to three sets and tiebreakers. Senior Hana El Sherif, returning from a quad strain, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, winning her match against UNCG 6-2, 3-6, 10-3, stating, “It felt great to start finding my rhythm again. It’s a great way to come back and represent A&T.” Success in collegiate athletics often translates to increased student-athlete well-being and academic performance.
The Aggies will now focus on preparing for their spring season, building on the momentum gained from their fall performances. Coach Hill emphasized the team’s dedication to improvement and their commitment to competing at a high level in the CAA.
Team officials stated they will continue to assess player development and refine strategies during the off-season to maximize their potential for success in the upcoming spring competition.
