Syracuse Tennis Loses 5-2 to NC State

By Brittany Ehrlich

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse women’s tennis team was defeated by NC State 5-2 Friday afternoon. One bright spot in the afternoon was Libi Mesh’s win at the number six spot.

Mesh lost 4-6 in the first set and was down early in the second.

“I never thought it was over and I played that girl last year in the ACC’s and I was down there too and came back,” said Mesh.

In the second set, Mesh came back and won 7-5 taking the match to a third set where she defeated her opponent 3-0. Her opponent forfeited the match after the three games due to injury.

“I didn’t want to make any mistakes. I started to be more positive and more engaged like cheering more,” said Mesh.

It was a special win for Mesh as her parents flew in from Israel to watch her play.

Coach Younes Limam was also proud of Mesh’s play.

“Libi did a tremendous job,” said Limam. “Being down a set and 5-2 in the second. We talk a lot about hanging around in a tennis match.”

At doubles, Gabriela Knutson and Miranda Ramirez lost 2-6. Dina Hegab and Anna Shkudon at the second spot lost their match 3-6.  Maria Tritou and Nicole Mitchell match was abandoned, but the two led their match 5-2 giving. NC State had the early 1-0 lead.

At singles, Miranda Ramirez lost, breaking her 12 game winning streak (3-6,6-4,5-7). She is 13-2 on the season.

Gabriela Knutson (6-4,0-6,5-7) at second singles, Anna Shkudun (2-6,4-6)at third singles, and Maria Tritou at fourth singles (2-6,6-4,6-7) all lost their matches.

Dina Hegab at the fifth singles (7-6, 4-6,1-2) won her match because of another forfeit due to injury.

The Orange play again on Sunday, April 9th against No. 42 University of Miami at 11 AM. Miami is currently 5-9 overall.