Howard Women’s Tennis Team Falls to NCCU in Close Match
On March 29, 2025, the Howard University women’s tennis team faced a tough opponent in North Carolina Central University (NCCU), ending in a narrow defeat of 4-3 during their MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) match at the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation’s East Capitol Campus.
Howard started strong by winning 2 out of 3 doubles matches. Senior Nadia Pegram from Naples, Florida, and sophomore Imani Jean from Brooklyn, New York, delivered an impressive performance, defeating NCCU’s Patricia Palencia and Gabriela Mejia 6-0. Another solid win came from senior Jordan Grayson (Gaithersburg, Md.) and Ava Chambers, who now have a three-match doubles win streak, after besting Mariana Zottoli and Valeria San Miguel from NCCU 6-2.
In singles play, Imani Jean continued the momentum by winning a challenging three-set match against Palencia (6-2, 4-6, 6-3), and Chambers also triumphed by defeating Valentina De Aquino in straight sets (6-1, 6-3). However, Pegram, competing in the No. 1 slot, faced a setback and lost to Alejandra Hidalgo in another tight three-set battle (4-6, 6-1, 5-7).
Despite a valiant effort, Howard University (5-7, 0-2 MEAC) couldn’t secure the overall win, with NCCU (7-7, 2-0 MEAC) clinching the victory by winning the other three singles matches.
Looking to bounce back, Howard will face rival Norfolk State on Sunday, March 30, at 9 a.m. at the same venue.
Expert Insights: According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports psychologist, the close nature of this match can be a significant teaching moment for athletes. “Learning to cope with loss is just as important as celebrating victories. It builds resilience, which is key in both sports and life,” she noted.
Recent Trends: A study by the National Federation of State High School Associations found that the participation in women’s collegiate tennis is steadily increasing, reflecting a growing interest and investment in women’s sports. This is crucial for inspiring young female athletes to pursue tennis at higher levels.
For more information, you can check out the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
Check out this related article: Thrilling Conference Opener: University of Pennsylvania Women’s Tennis Edges Princeton 4-3!
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