YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Milwaukee women's tennis team opened a challenging weekend of conference matches with a tough decision at Youngstown State, falling by a final score of 5-2 Saturday at the YSU Indoor Tennis Center.
 
The Panthers (6-12, 0-2 Horizon League) were competitive all day against the Penguins (8-7. 1-1 Horizon League), but fell short against the No. 2 team in the 2025 Horizon League Preseason Poll.
 
"The team fought hard," head coach Mark Goldin said. "The level was even much of the day and it came down to a few points in the end. Youngstown State was super-mentally tough and won the big points today. It was a fun match with great sportsmanship all around and great tennis. We have to stay focused with another big one tomorrow versus Cleveland State."
 
Milwaukee got off to a strong start on court one and two in doubles, but YSU grabbed the point after taking two of three. Nadiia Konieva and Sara Simonova were in control from start to finish at No. 1 doubles, picking up the 6-1 win over Julia Marko and Ghada Dirninger.
 
On court two, Laure Razet and Nikola Nikolajeva came out leading early, but eventually dropped a 6-3 decision to Line Greyling and Lili Minich.
 
In singles, the Panthers prevailed in a pair of thrilling three-setters, with both Emilia Durska (No. 4 singles) and Simonova (No. 6) earning victories.
 
Durska had to dig out of a 1-0 deficit, hanging tough to come back and take the 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8) win over Dirninger.
 
Simonova had to hold off Yoana Dudova, but eventually settled in for the 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 (10-6) victory.
 
The Panthers are right back at it tomorrow, set to take on Cleveland State scheduled for a 9 a.m. CT start.
 
Youngstown State 5, Milwaukee 2
Singles competition
1. Julia Marko (YSU) def. Nadiia Konieva (MKE) 6-2, 6-2
2. Lili Minich (YSU) def. Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) 6-4, 6-2
3. Yeseniia Ovcharova (YSU) def. Laure Razet (MKE) 6-4, 6-0
4. Emilia Durska (MKE) def. Ghada Dirninger (YSU) 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8)
5. Lorena Cedeno (YSU) def. Elisa Rubio (MKE) 6-3, 6-0
6. Sara Simonova (MKE) def. Yoana Dudova (YSU) 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 (10-6)
Doubles competition
1. Nadiia Konieva/Sara Simonova (MKE) def. Julia Marko/Ghada Dirninger (YSU) 6-1
2. Line Greyling/Lili Minich (YSU) def. Laure Razet/Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) 6-3
3. Lorena Cedeno/Lydia Foster (YSU) def. Emilia Durska/Elisa Rubio (MKE) 6-1