Firebirds Open Season with 6–1 Win Over Elizabeth City State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia Women's Tennis team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a convincing 6–1 home victory over Elizabeth City State on Saturday afternoon at the UDC Tennis Courts. The Firebirds controlled play from start to finish, securing the doubles point and then sweeping the top five singles positions to start the season 1–0.

UDC wasted little time setting the tone in doubles play:

• At No. 1 doubles, Célia Bastin / Polina Zelentsova rolled to a 6–1 win.

• At No. 2 doubles, Nadja Zmukic / Lina Benjelloun matched the effort with a decisive 6–1 victory.

• The Firebirds were forced to forfeit the No. 3 doubles match, but still claimed the doubles point with their two victories.

The Firebirds displayed complete control across the singles lineup, winning all five contested matches in straight sets:

• Polina Zelentsova (No. 1) dominated her match, winning 6–0, 6–0.

• Célia Bastin (No. 2) earned a solid 6–1, 6–4 victory.

• Lina Benjelloun (No. 3) blanked her opponent, 6–0, 6–0.

• Nadja Zmukic (No. 4) secured a 6–1, 6–2 win.

• Sofia Shaparenko (No. 5) closed out the sweep with a 6–0, 6–1 win.

Elizabeth City State's lone point came by default at No. 6 singles with UDC competing one player short.

The Firebirds (1-0) now prepare for the ITA East Regional Championship, where they will test themselves against some of the top players in the region.

Doubles

1. Bastin/Zelentsova def. Rollins/Price (ECSU) 6-1
2. Benjelloun/Zmukic def. Freytes/Williams (ECSU) 6-1
3. Renner/Durham (ECSU) def. default

Singles

1. Polina Zelentsova def. Kala Price (ECSU) 6-0, 6-0
2. Célia Bastin def. Reichel Freytes (ECSU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Lina Benjelloun def. Nadhira Durham (ECSU) 6-0, 6-0
4. Nadja Zmukic def. Marley Renner (ECSU) 6-1, 6-2
5. Sofia Shaparenko def. Micah Williams (ECSU) 6-0, 6-1
6. Kennedy Rollins (ECSU) def. default

UDC – 6

ECSU – 1

Order of Completion

Doubles: 3, 1, 2*

Singles: 6, 3, 1, 5*, 4, 2