May 1, 2010

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - NJIT captured the doubles point and rolled to four straight singles victories in a 4-1 win over South Dakota tonight at the 2010 Great West Conference Tennis Championship at Center Court Fitness Club in Grand Forks, N.D.

The Highlanders, the No. 2 seed, advance to tomorrow's third-place game against top-seeded Chicago State, while South Dakota is eliminated from the tournament.

NJIT came out on top in both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles, overcoming a forfeiture loss in No. 3 doubles. Nina Mayevska and Isha Toor combined to defeat Shadi Soleymani and Rijalda Zejnic 8-4 in No. 1 doubles, while Ana Lidon and Anine Lovdal got past Marina Kiefer and Isabel Nunez, 8-4, in No. 2 doubles.

The Highlanders also had to forfeit No. 6 singles due to fielding only five players but were able to secure the match victory with four straight singles wins.

Mayevska cruised past Soleymani, 6-2 and 6-2, in No. 1 singles and Lidon defeated Melanie Rockne, 6-0 and 6-1, in No. 2 singles.

Lovdal clinched the victory with 6-1 and 6-2 wins over Zejnic at No. 4 singles.

NJIT will face Chicago State at 9 a.m. (CT).  North Dakota and Texas Pan-American will meet in Sunday's championship game at noon.

Both contests are scheduled to take place outdoors at Snookie Register Tennis Complex.  If inclement weather forces play indoors, the matches will take place at Center Court Fitness Club.

Singles competition

1. Nina Mayevska (NJIT) def. Shadi Soleymani (USD) 6-2, 6-2

2. Ana Lidon (NJIT) def. Melanie Rockne (USD) 6-0, 6-1

3. Isha Toor (NJIT) vs. Marina Kiefer (USD) 4-6, 3-2, unfinished

4. Anine Lovdal (NJIT) def. Rijalda Zejnic (USD) 6-1, 6-2

5. Fanny Aizier (NJIT) vs. Isabel Nunez (USD) 6-3, 3-1, unfinished

6. Kelsi Foster (USD) def. NO PLAYER (NJIT) by forfeit

Doubles competition

1. Nina Mayevska/Isha Koor (NJIT) def. Shadi Soleymani/Rijalda Zejnic (USD) 8-4

2. Ana Lidon/Anine Lovdal (NJIT) def. Marina Kiefer/Isabel Nunez (USD) 8-3

3. Melanie Rockne/Kelsi Foster (USD) def. NO PLAYER/NO PLAYER (NJIT) by forfeit