ciaatennis
CIAA

Women's Tennis

Tennis advance to CIAA Semi's; Softball falls in twinbill

CHARLOTTE - It was a busy and successful day for Johnson C. Smith athletics, highlighted by postseason advancement in tennis and a competitive softball doubleheader at home.

The women's tennis team delivered a strong performance in CIAA Tournament play, earning a decisive victory over Elizabeth City State to advance to the semifinals. After securing the doubles point with wins from the pairings of Divija Manneni and Maykayla Ramos at No. 1, along with Auset Bligen and Farah Elshahat at No. 2, the Golden Bulls carried that momentum into singles action.

In singles play, Johnson C. Smith controlled the match across the lineup. Divija Manneni picked up a straight-set win at No. 1, while Auset Bligen and Airez Gilbert-Simons added victories at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, to clinch the match. The overall team effort secured the win and punched Johnson C. Smith's ticket to the semifinals.

With the victory, the Golden Bulls now advance to face Bluefield State in the next round as they continue their postseason run.

The softball team hosted Fayetteville State in a doubleheader and dropped both contests despite showing fight throughout the day.
In game one, Fayetteville State used a big third and fourth inning to pull away for an 11-5 win. The Golden Bulls totaled eight hits, with RBIs from Dazejah Lanham, Taylor Bullard, and Jahzira Hogan, but defensive errors allowed Fayetteville to capitalize and build a lead.

Game two was more tightly contested, but Fayetteville State completed the sweep with a 5-2 victory. Johnson C. Smith again recorded eight hits, with key contributions from Skylar Bledsoe, Lanham, Hogan, and Aniylah Lane. The Golden Bulls cut into the deficit in the third inning but could not generate enough offense late.

Overall, it was a full day of action for Johnson C. Smith Athletics, highlighted by the tennis team's postseason advancement..
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Auset Bligen

Auset Bligen

Junior
Airez Gilbert-Simons

Airez Gilbert-Simons

Sophomore
Divija Manneni

Divija Manneni

Sophomore
Maykayla Ramos

Maykayla Ramos

5' 2"
Senior
Farah Elshahat

Farah Elshahat

Freshman

Players Mentioned

Auset Bligen

Auset Bligen

Junior
Airez Gilbert-Simons

Airez Gilbert-Simons

Sophomore
Divija Manneni

Divija Manneni

Sophomore
Maykayla Ramos

Maykayla Ramos

5' 2"
Senior
Farah Elshahat

Farah Elshahat

Freshman