The University of Denver women’s tennis team, ranked No. 49 nationally, ended its seven-match road trip with a 5-2 defeat against Minnesota on Sunday morning in Minneapolis. The loss brings Denver’s season record to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in the Summit League.
The doubles competition was closely contested. Denver’s No. 3 pairing, senior Hana Bečirovič Novak and sophomore Natálie Cinková, secured a convincing 6-0 win—marking their second consecutive victory as a duo. However, Minnesota evened the score at No. 1 doubles and clinched the opening point by winning the decisive No. 2 match 6-3.
In singles play, three matches extended to third sets as both teams fought for points. Minnesota took an early lead by winning at No. 2 singles before Denver’s Louise Wikander earned her eighth dual-season victory with a straight-set win (6-2, 6-4) at No. 1 singles. Wikander rallied from an early deficit in the second set to claim six of the final eight games.
Minnesota increased its advantage with another straight-set singles win and then clinched the match after senior Zoe Adkins dropped her third-set decider at No. 3 singles despite taking the first set.
At No. 5 singles, Cinková forced a deciding set but ultimately fell after dropping serve early in the third set.
Denver added its second point when freshman Yunfei Cai came back from one set down to win her match, taking four consecutive games in the final set to close out her opponent.
The Pioneers will return home for their Summit League opener against South Dakota on Saturday, March 7 at Denver Tennis Park.
For more information about University of Denver athletics and upcoming events, visit https://denverpioneers.com/.
