The Virginia Wesleyan University women's tennis team postseason run came to a close in the semifinals of the ODAC Championship on Saturday evening, as the Marlins battled but ultimately fell to a strong Averett squad, 5-0, in Lexington.
The match began in doubles play, where Averett gained early momentum by securing the team point. At No. 3 doubles, the Marlins' duo of Lexi Hackbirth and Zoe Vliegen fought to stay within reach but dropped a 6-3 decision. Shortly after, the No. 2 pairing of Jette Dammeier and Mikisha Thomas put together a competitive showing before falling 7-5 in a tightly contested set, clinching the doubles point for Averett. The No. 1 doubles match featuring Tuva Flink and Jette Hafermann was left unfinished with the Marlins trailing 6-5.
In singles action, Virginia Wesleyan continued to compete with resilience against a deep Averett lineup. At No. 5 singles, Hackbirth faced a tough opponent and fell in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2. The Marlins encountered similar challenges at No. 4, where Hafermann battled but was defeated 6-2, 6-3.
At No. 3 singles, Sarah Reich showed flashes of strong play but came up short in a 6-4, 6-3 loss, which ultimately sealed the match for Averett. Meanwhile, No. 1 singles saw Flink take on a high-level opponent, falling 7-5, 6-1 in a competitive first set before Averett pulled away.
Two matches remained unfinished as play halted following the clinch. Vliegen was locked in a back-and-forth battle at No. 2 singles after splitting the opening two sets, while Dammeier held an advantage in her match at No. 6.
