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NM State challenged Panthers in doubles, highlight strong top-line singles efforts
Source: NMSU Athletics
Photo: Courtesy
NM State 0, FIU 4
NM State showed grit and determination, especially in doubles play, but ultimately came up short against nationally ranked FIU, falling 4-0 in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 CUSA Championship Tournament today.
The Aggies pushed the Panthers in doubles action, particularly on court three where Dora Kurdi and Whitney Moon held a 5-4 lead before their match went unfinished. Lisa Zhu and Montana Parkinson-Lubold put up a fight on court two before falling 6-4, while Anna Pinaieva and Nadia Nemeth dropped a 6-2 decision on the top court.
In singles play, FIU secured the team victory with wins at the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 positions. Despite the final score, NM State had a strong showing at the top of the lineup. On court one, Anna Pinaieva battled No. 93-ranked Ekaterina Khairutdinova in a tight first set, winning it 7-6 (7-2) before the match was called in the second set. Lisa Zhu was also neck-and-neck with No. 105 Oyinlomo Quadre, winning a tiebreak in the first set and still in play when the match was clinched.
The Aggies close out the 2024-25 season with a 13-9 overall record, while FIU, ranked No. 66 nationally, improves to 13-4.
For complete coverage of NM State women’s tennis throughout the 2024-25 year, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Women’s Tennis), Twitter (@NMStateWTEN) and Instagram (@NMStateWTEN).
