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Air Force
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Minnesota Shuts Out Air Force 4-0 in Ames
2/1/2025 2:34:00 PM | Tennis
AMES, Iowa. - The University of Minnesota tennis program picked up its second win of the spring, defeating Air Force 4-0 in Ames, Iowa. The Gophers improved to an overall record of 2-2 after clinching the program's first-ever win against the Falcons.
Quote from Coach Arterberry
"It was a strong start to the weekend for us," head coach Lois Arterberry said. "Transitioning back indoors after playing outdoors two weeks ago, we feel like we're in our element. We've also had two weeks to focus on areas we needed to improve, especially the mental side of the game. Today was a great first step in seeing our hard work pay off, but it's just the beginning. We're excited to continue growing and applying the tools we've developed, and we'll keep building on them as the season progresses. We got the job done today, and we're looking forward to the challenge of facing a really strong Iowa State team next."
Match Highlights
Minnesota secured the doubles point with a pair of dominant wins over the Falcons. Jeselle Ante and Arina Valitova led the way at the No. 3 spot with a 6-2 victory. The Gophers' No. 2 pair, Sofia Pinto and Anlin Xie, followed with a 6-3 win over Alexis Odom and Maya Michalski. At No. 1, Mia Liepert and Anali Kocevar kept it close but ultimately fell 6-4 to Nadia Kojonroj and Arianna Van Houweling.
In singles, the Gophers won three straight matches to secure the overall victory. The victory began at the No. 6 spot, where Sofia Pinto defeated Giovanna Sanchirico 6-4, 6-0. At No. 5, Jeselle Ante followed with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Shivaani Selvan. Aiva Schmitz clinched the win at No. 1, defeating Alexis Odom 6-3, 6-3.
Notables
- Jeselle Ante earned her 25th career singles win with her win over Shivaani Selvan.
- Minnesota faced off and defeated Air Force for the first time in program history
- With today's victories, the Gophers have reached 25 doubles wins this season.
- Jeselle Ante, Aiva Schmitz, and Sofia Pinto each have eight or more singles wins this season after today's victories.
- Arina Valitova made her spring season debut today, earning a doubles win alongside Jeselle Ante.
- Today's matchup was the third ever collegiate matchup played at Iowa State's brand new tennis facility.
Results
Doubles
1. Nadia Konjonroj and Arianna Van Houweling (AF) def. Mia Liepert and Anali Kocevar (UMN) 6-4.
2. Sofia Pinto and Anlin Xie (UMN) def. Alexis Odom and Maya Michalski (AF) 6-3.
3. Jeselle Ante and Arina Valitova (UMN) def. Sofia Mavor and Shivaani Selvan (AF) 6-2.
Singles
1. Aiva Schmitz (UMN) def. Alexis Odom (AF) 6-3, 6-3.
2. Mia Liepert (UMN) vs. Arianna Van Houweling (AF) 6-0, 3-6, unfinished .
3. Anlin Xie (UMN) vs. Nadia Kojonroj (AF) 6-3, 4-2, unfinished.
4. Deniz Turan (UMN) vs. Sofia Mavor (AF) 7-5, 2-0, unfinished.
5. Jeselle Ante (UMN) def. Shivaani Selvan (AF) 6-3, 6-3.
6. Sofia Pinto (UMN) def. Giovanna Sanchirico (AF) 6-4, 6-0.
Order of Finish
Doubles: (3, 2, 1)
Singles: (6, 5, 1)
Next on the Docket
The Golden Gophers will face Iowa State tomorrow at the Iowa State Tennis Facility, with the match set to begin at 11:00 a.m. (CT).
How to Follow
Fans can follow tomorrow's match on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram.
Fans can also follow the live scoring and live stream for tomorrow's match.