The Delaware State University women's tennis team captured its first victory of the season with a strong 4-3 win over Rider University on Wednesday, March 11.

The Hornets set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches to claim the opening point. Senior Lucia Casas Blas and junior Catherine Goldman secured a 6-4 victory over Lisa Dierick and Kashish Kant at No. 1 doubles. At No. 2, freshmen Hannah Watkins and Maite Bou Safont delivered a convincing 6-2 win against Elle Catanzarite and Anna Bong. Sophomore Sia Mahajan and freshman Alba Benedito completed the doubles sweep with a 6-3 victory over Jolie Kaiser and Chloe Monachelli at No. 3.

Delaware State carried the momentum into singles play, where three Hornets picked up wins to secure the match. Junior Sia Mahajan posted a straight-sets victory at No. 2 singles, defeating Jolie Kaiser 6-3, 6-2. Freshman Alba Benedito followed with a strong performance at No. 4 singles, earning a 6-0, 6-4 win over Chloe Monachelli.

Freshman Kayla Wright clinched the match for the Hornets at No. 6 singles, battling to a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory against Anna Bong. The win marked Wright's first appearance and first collegiate victory for Delaware State.

The Hornets will look to build on the momentum when they face Coppin State on Saturday, March 14.

Match Results

Doubles
No. 1 – Catherine Goldman/Lucia Casas Blas (DSU) def. Lisa Dierick/Kashish Kant (RID), 6-4
No. 2 – Hannah Watkins/Maite Bou Safont (DSU) def. Elle Catanzarite/Anna Bong (RID), 6-2
No. 3 – Alba Benedito/Sia Mahajan (DSU) def. Jolie Kaiser/Chloe Monachelli (RID), 6-3

Singles
No. 1 – Lisa Dierick (RID) def. Lucia Casas Blas (DSU), 6-4, 6-3
No. 2 – Sia Mahajan (DSU) def. Jolie Kaiser (RID), 6-3, 6-2
No. 3 – Daniela Naves (RID) def. Maite Bou Safont (DSU), 6-1, 6-4
No. 4 – Alba Benedito (DSU) def. Chloe Monachelli (RID), 6-0, 6-4
No. 5 – Elle Catanzarite (RID) def. Hannah Watkins (DSU), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
No. 6 – Kayla Wright (DSU) def. Anna Bong (RID), 7-6 (6), 7-5