HARRISONBURG, Va. (January 27, 2019) – Howard University women's tennis began its season on Saturday against James Madison University at the East Campus Tennis Courts. The Bison were scoreless against the Dukes, falling 7-0 in 15 of 15 sets.

"It was the first match of the season. They fought hard and played well. We will get there," stated head coach Larry Strickland. 

In doubles play, the Bison won only two games in three matches. Kindha Nasef and Aria Ragas could not get past the Dukes swift 6-0 start against Amanda Nord and Emma Petersen. They were able to take the doubles point with a win at No. 1 over Yassmine Khiri and Kendall Addison 6-1.  The Dukes swept double competition with wins versus Nicole Hutchison and Christina Joynes by Daria Afanasyeva and Jona Roka. 

In the singles competition, Yassmine Khiri, served as the squad's No. 1 where she lost in straight sets against Daria Afanasyeva (6-1, 6-1). Senior Nicole Hutchison was defeated by Abby Amos (6-0, 6-2). The Bison closed the evening with losses at No.'s 4, 5, and 6 singles play from Addison, Ragas and Joynes.

Howard women's tennis will continue its season next Friday, Feb. 1 at George Washington University.

Singles competition
1. Daria Afanasyeva (JMUW) def. Yassmine Khiri (HOW) 6-1, 6-1
2. Abby Amos (JMUW) def. Nicole Hutchison (HOW) 6-0, 6-2
3. Jona Roka (JMUW) def. Kindha Nasef (HOW) 6-1, 6-1
4. Daniela Voloh (JMUW) def. Kendall Addison (HOW) 6-1, 6-1
5. Emma Petersen (JMUW) def. Aria Ragas (HOW) 6-1, 6-0
6. Amanda Nord (JMUW) def. Christina Joynes (HOW) 6-2, 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Abby Amos/Daniela Voloh (JMUW) def. Yassmine Khiri/Kendall Addison (HOW) 6-1
2. Jona Roka/Daria Afanasyeva (JMUW) def. Nicole Hutchison/Christina Joynes (HOW) 6-1
3. Amanda Nord/Emma Petersen (JMUW) def. Kindha Nasef/Aria Ragas (HOW) 6-0
For more information, visit the Howard Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.