RICHMOND, Va. (February 22, 2018) – Howard University Women's Tennis went into Richmond, Va. shorthanded as they faced Virginia Commonwealth (VCU). HU was shutout by the Rams, 7-0.
 
Freshman Yassmine Khiri missed the today's match due to a shoulder injury suffered back on Feb. 10 against James Madison. As a result, the Bison lost decisions in doubles and singles play.
 
After winning both doubles matches, 6-1, VCU won all five singles matches.
 
Freshman Nathalie Finch served as HU's No. 1 singles player but was defeated by VCU's Paola Exposito Diaz Delagado in straight sets (6-1, 6-0).
 
Howard's singles players in the two through five positions were forced to move up one spot due to the absence of Khiri.
 
Below are the results from today:
 
Doubles
1- Anna Rasmussen/Melissa Ifidzhen (VCU) def. Nathalie Finch/Nicole Hutchinson (HU) 6-1
2- Marina Alcaide Bakari/Sofia Sualehe (VCU) def. Christina Joynes/Aria Ragas (HU) 6-1
3- Paola Exposito Diaz Delgado/Noumea Witmus (VCU) HU Default
 
Order of finish: 3, 1, 2
 
Singles
1- Paola Exposito Diaz Delgado (VCU) def. Nathalie Finch (HU) 6-1, 6-0
2- Noumea Witmus (VCU) def. Nicole Hutchison (HU) 6-1, 6-2
3- Melissa Ifidzhen (VCU) def. Christina Joynes (HU) 6-0, 6-1
4- Marina Alcaide Bakari (VCU) def. Sajela Harlow (HU) 6-2, 6-1
5- Sofia Sualehe (VCU) def. Aria Ragas (HU) 6-0, 6-2
6- HU Default
 
Order of finish: 6, 1, 3, 5, 2, 4
 
HU continues its road swing in nearby Annapolis, Md. Sunday (Feb. 25), where they will face Navy. Match time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.