Cary, N.C. (Apr. 29, 2023) --- One of Delaware State's best women's tennis seasons ended with a loss to South Carolina State in the MEAC championship final today, marking the Bulldogs' third consecutive title. The Hornets fell 4-0 in their first appearance in the MEAC title match. The loss brings an end to a solid season for Delaware State, which set a team record with 15 wins during its combined fall and spring seasons. The Hornets' 2022-23 campaign also featured  two MEAC Tournament wins for the first time in recorded team history, a six-match win streak and a shutout victory (7-0) over Towson of the Colonial Athletic Association.
In today's championship battle, South Carolina State collected its first point by winning two doubles matches and came out on top in three singles  contests.
The Bulldogs won their third straight championship, and 17th overall, earning the MEAC's automatic bid to the 2023 NCAA Women's Tennis Championship.
South Carolina State started the match with a strong doubles performance, winning at both No. 1 and No. 3. Nalanda Silva and Teodora Vujicic won 6-0 at No. 3, before Sofiya Chursina and Hind Semlali took a 7-5 win at No. 1 to give the Bulldogs the doubles point.
From there, the Bulldogs were dominant on the singles courts. Malannia Vashkevich and Silva were strong at Nos. 6 and 5 singles, respectively, as both players won their matches 6-0, 6-0.
Chursina was also dominant at No. 1 singles, defeating Kit Yi Kay Au-Yeung 6-1, 6-1. Chursina, the MEAC Player of the Year, was named the championship's Outstanding Performer, while MEAC Coach of the Year Hardeep Judge was named Outstanding Coach.
On the positive side for the Hornets, Noelani Lui took the first set 7-5 in the No. 2 singles match before play was halted after SC State secured the team victory. Also, Daria Julia was tied in No. 3 singles contest at 1-1 after taking the second set 6-1 when play ended.
Julia and Kit Yi Kay Au-Yeung put up a tough fight before falling 7-5 in the No. 1 doubles match. Julia and Au-Yeung also earned All-MEAC Second Team honors for the 2022-23 season.  
 
Article contains information from  the MEAC