Women's Tennis | 10/4/2024 10:06:41 PM

CARY, N.C. - Saturday’s women’s singles semifinals will feature three S.C. State Bulldogs and a N.C. Central Eagle as day one of the 2024 MEAC Invitational concluded at the Cary Tennis Park in Cary, N.C. Quarterfinal doubles action will start 

Three of the four top seeds advanced to the women’s singles semifinals in Alejandra Hidalgo Vega (NCCU), Sofiya Chursina and Hind Semlali with the fourth slot going to Nalanda Teixeira da Silva.  

After receiving a first-round bye, Hidalgo Vega faced Brandy Babcock-Hannah (CSU) in the quarterfinals. Babcock-Hannah defeated Lucia Casas Blas (DSU) in three sets (6-1, 2-6, 6-4) to advance, but fell to Hidalgo Vega in two, 6-1, 6-4. 

Fresh off a first-round bye, Chursina reached the semis after defeating Nadia Pegram (HOW), 6-1, 7-5. Pegram swept Megan Etienne (CSU), 6-2, 6-0, earlier in the day to reach the quarterfinals.  

Teixeira da Silva battled her way to the semifinals picking up two wins including a morning three-set victory (4-6, 7-5, 6-2) over Hannah Smith (MSU). Teixeira da Silva then defeated Camilla Mitolo (DSU), 6-0, 6-2, to advance onward. 

The final semifinal slot went to Hind Semlali, who also received a first-round bye, defeated her opponent, Sifa Butcher (HOW), in three sets (3-6, 6-2, 6-4) to end day one.  

Women’s doubles action will resume at 11:30 a.m. as the teams face off in quarterfinal action.  

Four pairs received opening-round byes, while three teams picked up two-set wins over their opponents to advance. One duo advanced following the retirement of their foe.