MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Women’s Tennis team faced a tough challenge on Thursday afternoon, suffering a 4-0 defeat against Alabama State during a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) match held at Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center in Montgomery.
Alabama State (7-7, 4-1 SWAC) started the match strong by securing the doubles point, highlighted by a victory at the No. 3 doubles position. The duo of Ena Arnautovic and Cleanne Pickel triumphed over Jalayah Shaw and Allexii Bassette of Bethune-Cookman with a decisive score of 6-1.
For Bethune-Cookman (1-11, 0-4 SWAC), Jalayah Shaw played at No. 1 singles and Zahara El-Zein competed in the No. 2 position; both of their matches remained unfinished. Keona Burley also had an unfinished match on court four against Pickel from ASU.
The Hornets extended their lead to 3-0 with a victory at No. 3 singles, where Bassette was forced to retire after losing her opening set 6-2. Kesmat El Tawil sealed the match for ASU by defeating Lesa Snipes-Williams in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
Bethune-Cookman will begin the SWAC Pod #2 event on Friday, March 28, taking on Jackson State at 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. CT). This match is set to occur at The Fields at 17 Springs, located in Millbrook, Alabama.
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Match Results
Singles Competition
- 1. Diana Craciun (ASU) vs. Jalayah Shaw (BCU) – 6-3, unfinished
- 2. Melisa Mekic (ASU) vs. Zahara El-Zein (BCU) – 6-1, 3-2, unfinished
- 3. Carmelle Vial (ASU) def. Allexii Bassette (BCU) – 6-2, retired
- 4. Cleanne Pickel (ASU) vs. Keona Burley (BCU) – 6-0, 5-2, unfinished
- 5. Kesmat El Tawil (ASU) def. Lesa Snipes-Williams (BCU) – 6-0, 6-0
- 6. Ena Arnautovic (ASU) won by forfeit
Doubles Competition
- 1. Ena Arnautovic/Cleanne Pickel (ASU) def. Jalayah Shaw/Allexii Bassette (BCU) – 6-1
- 2. Melisa Mekic/Diana Craciun (ASU) vs. Zahara El-Zein/Keona Burley (BCU) – 4-1, unfinished
- 3. Carmelle Vial/Kesmat El Tawil (ASU) won by forfeit
