Women’s Tennis Falls to No. 1 Xavier in BIG EAST Semifinals, 4-1

Saturday, April 22

Cayce S.C. (Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center)

9 a.m.

St. John's University

Xavier

Women’s Tennis Falls to No. 1 Xavier in BIG EAST Semifinals, 4-1

4/22/2023 5:55:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

The Red Storm reached the semifinals for the ninth straight season

By: Andrew Loewe

CAYCE, S.C. - The fourth-seeded St. John's women's tennis team were unable to overcome No. 1 Xavier's early lead in the match and dropped in the BIG EAST Semifinals, 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center.

Lauren Leo's squad has reached the semifinals in each of her eighth season at the helm of the program. Leo has never had a losing season during her tenure with the Red Storm.

Xavier clinched the first point of the match by winning the first two doubles matches. Abby Nugent and Kat Lyman won the top court against Jayden Nielsen and Yesica de Lucas, 6-2. Blessing Nwaozuzu and Paulina Franco clinched the point with a 6-3 defeat of Amaya Lopez and Lalita Devarakonda.

Nielsen won a tight battle in her singles match, 7-5, 7-5 to top Nwaozuza. But, the Musketeers were able to grab three first set victories in singles play, which led to two straight-set victories for Xavier. Imani Graham took a 6-2, 6-2 decision against Devarakonda. Kat Lyman held off a surging de Lucas, 6-3, 7-5. In the final match to finish, Lopez took the first set, 6-4, before dropping 0-6, 0-6 to Anna Roggenburk to clinch the match for the Musketeers.

Xavier will move on to the Championship match against Creighton on Sunday.