Firebirds Rally Past Coppin State, 4–3, in Spring Opener

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team opened its spring season with a gritty 4–3 victory over Coppin State University, securing the win with strong singles play after dropping the doubles point.

Coppin State claimed the early advantage by winning two of three doubles matches. After a default at No. 3 doubles, the Eagles took the No. 1 doubles match, 6–3. UDC's pairing of Nadja Zmukic and Sofiia Shaparenko answered with a clutch 7–6(3) win at No. 2 doubles, but the Firebirds entered singles play trailing 1–0.

UDC responded in impressive fashion, winning four singles matches to seal the comeback victory.

At No. 1 singles, Polina Zelentsova battled back after dropping the first set to defeat Brandy Babcock-Hannah 1–6, 6–2, 6–3, setting the tone for the Firebirds' rally.

Célia Bastin followed with a strong straight-set performance at No. 2 singles, earning a 6–4, 6–1 win over Sirena Singh.

Lina Benjelloun secured a hard-fought three-set victory at No. 3 singles, prevailing 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4 in one of the day's most competitive matches.

Sofiia Shaparenko clinched the match for UDC at No. 4 singles with a decisive 6–2, 6–3 win over Sapphire Ferguson.

Coppin State earned points at No. 5 singles and by default at No. 6, but the Firebirds' depth in the top of the lineup proved to be the difference.

With the win, UDC begins its spring campaign on a high note and builds momentum heading into the heart of the season.

The Firebirds will return to action next Friday at home when they host Howard University.