Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

CHICAGO (Feb. 22, 2025) - Taking on the defending national champions and current No. 1 team in the nation, the North Central College women's tennis team fell 7-0 in their first match of the spring schedule on Saturday inside XS Tennis.

Abigail Penados and Natalie Bassett dropped a 6-1 contest at the top spot to Shianna Guo and Lauren Khou. At the No. 2 fixture, Anastasia Bozovic and Kensington Payne fell 6-2 with Ainaroa Casado Cedillo and Liveta Ezerskis also losing 6-2 at No. 3.

Penados lost her first dual match of the season at No. 1 as Brooke Pedersen earned a 6-2, 6-2 win. Bassett faced the No. 19 singles player in Division III in Mikos and fell 6-2, 6-0 at No. 2. Payne and Casado Cedillo each battled at No. 3 and No. 4m but ultimately dropped the match in straight sets. The Maroons defeated Ezerskis and Bozovic at No. 5 and No. 6 to complete the 7-0 win.

The Cardinals return to the court on Saturday, Mar. 1 as they host No. 35 Hope College inside Naperville Tennis Club. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.

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