Tennis Closes Out Nonconference Slate with Win Over UIC

CHICAGO — Jackeline Lopez recorded a three-set match-clinching victory to lift No. 75 Rutgers women’s tennis (9-3, 0-1 B1G) over UIC (3-9), 4-3, on Thursday afternoon at the XS Tennis Village.
 
The victory closes out RU’s 11-match nonconference slate, with the Scarlet Knights playing to a 9-2 record in those duals. Rutgers went a strong 5-1 on the road, as well as 4-1 at home.
 
Doubles
 
The Flames took an early 1-0 edge after clinching the doubles point.
 
Despite dropping the round, Tara Chilton and Yana Gurevich added their team-leading sixth doubles win of the season, downing the Flame’s No. 1 duo, 6-4.
 
Singles
 
Singles play started with an equalizing win from Amira Badawi, 6-4, 6-0, at the second court.
 
Minchae Kim was then able to give RU its first edge of the day with a 6-2, 6-2 victory on court No. 5.
 
The Flames did not back down though, picking up two wins on the first and sixth courts to put themselves ahead, 3-2.
 
Mai Nguyen came up clutch for Rutgers, keeping her team alive with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory on the fourth court to tie the match at three.
 
Lopez then sealed the victory for the Scarlet Knights. After splitting the first two sets with her opponent, the junior earned a 6-3 win in the final frame to clinch the competition.
 
Results
 
Doubles

1. Tara Chilton/Yana Gurevich (RU) def. Agnes Gustafsson/Camille Belberka (UIC) 6-4
2. Mayu Ushio/Zara Ryan (UIC) def. Amira Badawi/Mai Nguyen (RU) 7-5
3. Paula Rodriguez Gregoris/Tamara Malazonia (UIC) def. Minchae Kim/Naomi Karki (RU) 7-6(4)

Singles

1. Agnes Gustafsson (UIC) def. Tara Chilton (RU) 6-4, 6-1
2. Amira Badawi (RU) def. Tamara Malazonia (UIC) 6-4, 6-0
3. Jackeline Lopez (RU) def. Mayu Ushio (UIC) 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-5
4. Mai Nguyen (RU) def. Camille Belberka (UIC) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
5. Minchae Kim (RU) def. Zara Ryan (UIC) 6-2, 6-2
6. Anais Brion (UIC) def. Arina Valitova (RU) 6-0, 6-4

Knights Notes

• Rutgers earned the first win in the lifetime series between the two programs.
• Nguyen and Kim both recorded their team-high eighth singles victory in the win over UIC.
• Badawi is 3-1 in singles appearances since returning to the court against UConn (Feb. 18).
• Chilton and Gurevich moved to 6-3 as a doubles pair on the dual season. All of their victories have come at the first court.
• RU closed out its nonconference season with…