Women's Tennis | 10/3/2025 8:53:32 AM

CARY, N.C., Oct. 2, 2025 – The 2nd Annual Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tennis Invitational opened Thursday with an action-packed first day of competition, highlighted by strong singles performances that set the stage for Friday’s semifinals.

In women’s singles play, Howard’s Imani Jean led the way with two victories, including a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Morgan State’s Roua Limen in the opening round. Jean then delivered one of the day’s biggest results, knocking off top-seeded Alejandra Hidalgo Vega of North Carolina Central in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to earn her place in the semifinals.

Norfolk State's Elena Prado advanced out of the opening round with a hard-fought three-set victory over Delaware State’s Lucia Casa Blas (6-1, 2-6, 6-3), before falling to South Carolina State’s Valeria Teran, 6-4, 6-3. Teran earlier claimed a straight-sets win over NCCU’s Patricia Palencia (7-6, 6-2).

Delaware State’s Catherine Goldman also had a strong day, defeating Howard’s Franchesca Brown 7-5, 6-0 in the quarterfinals after Brown advanced past the opening round, 6-1, 6-0. Rounding out the semifinal field, Norfolk State’s Yuliya Yurkova rallied to defeat Valeria San Miguel Soria, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1.

The semifinals are set for Friday, Oct. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cary Tennis Park, where Jean (HOW), Teran (SCSU), Goldman (DSU), and Yurkova (NSU) will compete for a spot in the championship match.

In women’s doubles play, North Carolina Central's Sara Barbaric and Valeria San Miguel Soria opened strong with a decisive 6-2, 6-1 win over Morgan State’s Lauryn Hall and Roua Limen. Delaware State’s pairing of Alba Benedito and Catherine Goldman rallied after dropping the first set to defeat Norfolk State’s Irina Iurea and Kayla Kennedy, 0-6, 6-1, 1-0.

South Carolina State’s Aashikha Amalnathan teamed with NCCU’s Valeria Teran for a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Valeria De Auino Mosanto and Gabriela Meja Arenas. Delaware State’s Lucia Casa Blas paired with Sia Mehajan, while Norfolk State’s Angelia Maniawska and Yuliya Yurkova advanced with a first-round bye.

Women’s doubles competition will resume on Friday, Oct. 3 beginnin at 11:30 a.m.

Admission to the MEAC Tennis Invitational is free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on MEAC student-athletes throughout the tournament weekend.

Tournament Information - Results: 
2025 Singles Women’s Draw – Day 1
2025 Doubles Women’s Draw – Day 1

Click here to watch live competition available on PlaySight.com.  

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