WASHINGTON (March 14, 2021) – With the 2021 Spring Tennis season upon us, Howard University Director of Tennis Nicholas Askew enters his first season at the helm, looking to lead the program back to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships.
 
With the first matches just right around the corner, Askew is immensely grateful to coach the tennis programs.
 
"I'm extremely excited," said Askew. "Under the circumstances, this is such a privilege."
 
FIRST TEST
 
Howard opens its 2021 campaign against crosstown foe George Washington (GW) Sunday (March 14). First serve is slated for 1 p.m.
 
SEASON OUTLOOK
 
Howard enters the 2021 campaign with six returners and the opportunity to have a breakout season is wide open.
 
"It's wide open for any of our returners to have a breakout season," Askew stated. "Everyone came into the season with a great mindset. The team is putting in work hard and effort each day."
 
The 2021 squad consist of sophomores Alexandra Blackwell (Austin, Texas), Hana El Sherif (Cairo, Egypt), Yemisi Ifederu (London, England) and Ement Simunyola (Lorton, Va.), junior Kendall Addison (Charlotte, N.C.) and senior Aria Ragas (Johns Creek, Ga.).
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
Since 2008, GW has won all nine of its matchups against the Bison, including last season's contests, 2-5.
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON
 
GW (1-2) dropped its most recent match against Delaware, 5-2, but knocked off Coppin State, 9-0. On Feb. 25, George Washington opened the season with a 2-5 loss against Navy.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard is scheduled to play seven regular season contests, including four versus conference foes, in preparation for the MEAC Championships (April 24-25) in Norfolk, Va.
 
On March 27, the Bison face Georgetown in another crosstown battle. Match time is slated for 1 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.