Syracuse Tennis Defeated By #14 Duke 5-2

By Brittany Ehrlich

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse women’s tennis team lost to #14 Duke 5-2 Saturday afternoon. It was also Senior Day as the Orange honored Valeria Salazar and Olivia Messineo.

“It’s really tough for me,” said freshman Miranda Ramirez. “I haven’t known them for long, but they are both amazing and it’s really tough for me to see them go. I wish I could have had more time with them.”

Ramirez was the only player for the Orange to win in singles. She won in a three set come back and improved to 15-3 on the season.

Coach Younes Limam also spoke about what losing the seniors meant to him.

“It means a lot,” said Limam.”They’ve added a lot to our program and we knew it was going to be an emotional day. I was proud of the team and everybody else for still having that focus and going to that tough match ready to battle.”

Syracuse had a strong start to the afternoon at doubles, Gabriela Knutson and Miranda Ramirez won 6-3. The pair are now 9-5 together and 2-1 against a ranked opponent. Dina Hegab and Anna Shkudon also won their match 6-3 at the second spot.  Maria Tritou and Nicole Mitchell lost 2-6. This gave Syracuse the early 1-0 lead.

At singles, Gabriela Knutson (0-6,2-6) at second singles, Anna Shkudun (1-6,5-7) at third singles, Maria Tritou at fourth singles (6-2,3-6,1-6), Dina Hegab at fifth singles (3-6,1-6), and Libi Mesh at sixth singles (3-6, 3-6) all lost their matches.

The Orange play again on Sunday, April 21st against Wake Forrest on the road at 4 PM. Wake Forrest is currently 16-8 overall and 6-6 in the ACC.