Agate

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s tennis team’s comeback in singles play fell just short on Thursday, March 14, at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center, as the Phoenix dropped a 4-3 decision to the visiting UNCG Spartans.
 
The 73rd-ranked Phoenix falls to 11-3 (1-2 Southern Conference) with the setback, while UNCG improves to 7-4 (4-0 Southern Conference) with the win.
 
After the Spartans won the doubles point to take an early 1-0 match lead over the Phoenix, Elon needed to win four of six singles matches to secure the win.
 
Frida Jansaker tied the match at 1-all after quickly defeating Dilara Yurtkuran, 6-2, 6-2, at No. 2 singles. Jansaker improves to 13-3 on the year with the win.
 
Maria Camara Ruiz gave Elon a 2-1 lead at No. 6 singles, as the sophomore defeated Soumeya Anane in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Camara Ruiz improves to 8-2 with the victory.
 
After the Spartans won the next two singles matches to take a 3-2 lead, Bryn Khoury brought the match back to even at No. 4 singles after battling UNCG’s Anette Rios to a 7-6, 7-6, win. Khoury has won her last three singles matches and improves to 13-3 on the year with the win.
 
But the Spartans took the match win at No. 1 singles after Niltooli Wilkins won a hard-fought battle against Elon’s Jordan Johnston, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5.
 
Elon returns to action on Saturday, March 16, at Western Carolina.