CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The 41st-ranked Queens University of Charlotte women's tennis team suffered its first South Atlantic Conference loss on Saturday afternoon, falling 5-4 to No. 21 Wingate University at the Queens Sports Complex.
 
The Bulldogs were in control 2-1 following the conclusion of doubles play as the Royals collected a point at No. 2 with an 8-7 (10-6) win from the tandem of senior Carlotta Nassi and sophomore Isabel Fornies. The duo is now a perfect 11-0 on the season with a 7-0 mark in league play.
 
In singles competition, freshman Yana Fleyer improved upon her 12-match win streak with a 6-0, 6-3 victory in the No. 2 position. Fellow freshman Sasha Davidzenka won 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3 before a Wingate win at No. 4 tied the match at three points apiece.
 
Senior Caroline Nielsen put the Royals back in front with a 6-4, 6-3 decision at No. 4, her seventh straight win, as the Bulldogs tied the match once against with a three-set win at No. 1. The final singles matchup of the day came down to a third set tiebreaker as Wingate earned a 0-6, 6-2, 7-6 (10-5) at No. 5 to earn the victory.
 
"This was a tough loss, but I am proud of this team," said Head Coach Billy Boykin. "We were one point away from the win, but Wingate wouldn't let us have it today."
 
"We left everything out there and we will learn from this match. It will make us better. Credit to Wingate, they have a great team."
 
Queens begins a three-match road trip next week as the team travels to Florence, S.C. for a match against the Southeast Region's third-ranked team in Francis Marion University on Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m.
 
#21 Wingate University 5, #41 Queens University of Charlotte 4
 
Singles competition
1. #20 Michela Verpelli (WU) def. #37 Carlotta Nassi (QUWTN) 2-6, 6-1, 7-5
2. Yana Fleyer (QUWTN) def. Claudia De Andreis (WU) 6-0, 6-3
3. Sasha Davidzenka (QUWTN) def. Chyi Lee (WU) 6-1, 6-2
4. Caroline Nielsen (QUWTN) def. Oroma Womeodu (WU) 6-4, 6-3
5. Marisa Ostoja (WU) def. Isabel Fornies (QUWTN) 0-6, 6-2, 7-6 (10-5)
6. Sydney Homan (WU) def. Hannah Lehfeldt (QUWTN) 6-2, 7-5
 
Doubles competition
1. Michela Verpelli/Maria Garcia (WU) def. Sasha Davidzenka/Yana Fleyer (QUWTN) 8-6
2. Isabel Fornies/Carlotta Nassi (QUWTN) def. Claudia De Andreis/Sydney Homan (WU) 8-7 (10-6)
3. Chyi Lee/Oroma Womeodu (WU) def. Hannah Lehfeldt/Caroline Nielsen (QUWTN) 8-4
 
Match Notes:
Wingate University 13-3, 6-0 SAC; National ranking #21; Regional ranking #7
Queens University of Charlotte 10-2, 6-1 SAC; National ranking #41; Regional ranking #10
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (2,3,6,4,1,5)