Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

CHICAGO (May 8, 2025) – Getting ahead early in the match by earning the doubles point, the North Central College women's tennis team beat Coe College 4-2 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday at the Stagg Tennis Courts. 

Abigail Penados and Natalie Bassett claimed the first win of the day, beating Alliandra Hagness and Addison Leasure, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Liveta Ezerskis and Meghan McSweeney beat Sophia Fian and Alice Tysoe 6-1 as well at No. 3 to put the Cardinals on top, 2-1. Kate Herlihy and Kensingon Payne at No. 2 were ahead 5-1 before the doubles point was decided.

After the Kohawks evened the score with a win at No. 3 singles, Penados cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Fain at the top spot. Liveta Ezerskis rolled to a straight-set 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 4 before Bassett clinched the match with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 2 over Leasure.

North Central moves to the second round of the tournament, where they face the host No.1 University of Chicago for the second time this season. That match is set for 2 p.m. at the Stagg Tennis Courts

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