Tennis Drops Highly Contested Match to Iowa

Sunday, April 8

East Brunswick, NJ

12:30 PM

Rutgers University

Iowa

Apr 08 | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Despite sophomore Jaci Cochrane and freshman Isabelle Da Silva earning singles victories, Rutgers tennis suffered a heartbreaking, 5-2 loss to Iowa on Sunday afternoon at the East Brunswick Racquet Club. The Hawkeyes (9-12, 1-7 Big Ten) claimed the doubles point and edged out four singles matches to hold off the Scarlet Knights (5-11, 0-7 Big Ten)

"Today was really gut wrenching in the sense that I think everybody really felt the chance," said head coach Hilary Ritchie. "There were opportunities where the matches could have gone either way and, unfortunately, in the big moments we weren't able to capitalize.

"Iowa played well, but we just didn't capitalize where we needed to. Losing that doubles point really hurt us today in terms of momentum. We're going to keep plugging away in practice these next two weeks. We're going to keep fighting hard."

Rutgers and Iowa kicked off the match with a back-and-forth battle in doubles play. The duo of Cochrane and freshman Maya Jacobs picked up the first win at the No. 2 spot, topping Iowa's Zoe Douglas and Adorabol Huckleby, 6-2.

Iowa responded with a victory at the No. 1 spot to balance the fight. In a tight rally at the No. 3 spot, senior Chloe Lee and Da Silva were edged, 6-4, by the Hawkeyes' Montana Crawford and Danielle Burich, as Iowa escaped with the doubles point.

Moving into singles, Rutgers got a quick lead on the court in the first set of all six matches. The even battle between the squads, however, would rekindle throughout singles play.

Although Iowa claimed the first singles win at the No. 1 spot, Cochrane countered with a solid 6-0, 6-4 win over No. 4 spot opponent Huckleby to cut into the Hawkeyes' lead, 2-1.

Da Silva then tied up the match, 2-2, with a win at the No. 6 spot, defeating Iowa's Danielle Burich 6-3, 7-5.

Iowa inched back in front, 3-2 with a victory at the No. 3 position, but Lee and Jacobs kept Rutgers in the chase as their matchups headed into deciding sets. The Hawkeyes, however, were able to hold off the Scarlet Knights in the end.

UP NEXT
Rutgers hits the road for trips to Michigan State on April 14 and to Michigan on April 15.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's tennis, follow the program on Facebook (RutgersTennis), Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersTennis). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.

- RU-