AKRON, Ohio — The women's tennis team was solid in its first day of competition in the Akron Invitational on Friday at LaTuchie Tennis Center.
 
Cornell won five of six singles matches against the host Zips – four in straight sets. Sophomore Marika Cusick dropped just two games in her victory at the No. 4 spot, and freshman Madison Stevens was also dominant in her 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5.
 
The Big Red split its two doubles matches against West Virginia, getting a victory at the No. 1 position from junior Dena Tanenbaum and freshman Priyanka Shah. Cusick and Stevens also teamed up to defeat a team from Michigan State, 8-2, in the session's third doubles match.
 
Play continues Saturday at the three-day event. Cornell will take on West Virginia in singles matches starting at 9 a.m., then oppose Michigan State at noon in doubles matches.
 
SINGLES (vs. Akron)
1. Dena Tanenbaum (C) def. Karolina Maksimava, 6-0, 2-6, (10-7)
2. Priyanka Shah (C) def. Martina Zerbola, 7-5, 6-3
3. Lizzie Stewart (C) def. Ariadna Blinova, 7-5, 6-1
4. Marika Cusick (C) def. Maria Bessmertnaya, 6-1, 6-1
5. Madison Stevens (C) def. Shannon Newnes, 6-1, 6-2
6. Sophia Geier (A) def. Allegra Hanlon, 6-2, 6-4
 
DOUBLES
1. Shah/Tanenbaum (Cornell) def. Ikttesh Chahal/Kaja Mrgole (W.Va), 8-4
2. Lyn Yuen Choo/Carolina Lewis (W.Va) def. Alyssa Boey/Stewart (C), 8-7(3)
3. Cusick/Stevens (Cornell) def. Hilary Hager/Colleen O'Brien (Michigan St.), 8-2