SALISBURY, N.C. - Livingstone women's tennis kicked off its 2024 campaign this past weekend under the direction of recently hired head coach Marlon Henderson. The team competed in the CIAA Round-Up in Richmond, VA., taking on five CIAA opponents, including Bluefield State, Bowie State, Elizabeth City State, Virginia Union, and Virginia State.

The Blue Bears went 1-4 in those matches but showed much promise in their first appearance of the season. The individual effort of the players was impressive and culminated in a commanding victory over Virginia Union.

Genesis Missick and Monica Padron had arguably the best weekend as a duo with three victories, including one in the win against VUU as they'd win 6-1. They also had strong individual showings in their singles matches, with Missick winning 6-4, 6-0, and Padron coming out on top, 6-0, 6-1. Marissa Paul also cruised to a two-set victory, 6-5, 6-1. Azia Thomas dropped the first set of her singles match, 5-6, then fought back nicely and took the final two sets, 6-5, 6-4 to help claim the victory for Livingstone.

Azia Thomas had the lone victory in the team's matchup against Bowie State and did so in commanding fashion, besting her opponent to the tune of 6-1, 6-1. 

In the match against Elizabeth City State, the doubles team of Genesis Missick and Monica Padron earned a comfortable 6-1 victory for Livingstone.

Missick and Padron weren't done yet, as they'd grab their second victory of the weekend as they squeezed out a victory against Virginia State, 7-6 (7-5).

Up Next
Livingstone will host its first home match of the season, taking on Shaw on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 P.M.

Social Media
Fans are also encouraged to follow Livingstone Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, to keep up with all the Blue Bears in action.