Firebirds Cruise Past Molloy in 6-3 Season-Opening Win

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team defeated East Coast Conference foe Molloy College, 6-3 in both teams' season openers Friday afternoon.

The Firebirds (1-0) won the top two doubles matches and top four singles matches, forfeited the No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles matches due to an insufficient lineup, and lost only the No. 5 singles match.

First Team All-ECC performer from a year ago, Dominika Hadnadova, won her top singles match, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, and teamed with Second Team All-ECC performer Alena Skobkina, for an 8-2 win at the top doubles flight. Skobkina earned a win at No. 2 singles as well, besting Montaine Le Goupil-Maire, 7-6(4), 6-1.

Team newcomers Paula Avellan and Estefania Castrillon were both victorious in their Firebird debuts, each winning her respective singles match and teaming up for an 8-4 No. 2 doubles win. Avellan won at No. 3 singles, 6-2, 6-1, and Castrillon was victorious at No. 4, 6-0, 6-0.

UDC's third newcomer and converted women's basketball student-athlete Arielle Ward managed to take one game in the second set, but ultimately was defeated at No. 5 singles by Molloy's Samantha Bloecker, 6-0, 6-1.

The Firebirds are back in action tomorrow at ECC powerhouse Queens College. Match is slated for a 10 a.m. start.