The Virginia Union University Women's Tennis Team hosted a tough Elizabeth City State University on Tuesday, March 12, at Battery Park in Richmond, Va.

The Lady Panthers consisted of Jade Sawyer at #1 singles, Aliyah Benson at #2, Rudell Octave at #3, Giselle Harris at #4, Briana Velinor at #5 and Andrea Sanjurjo at #6.

VUU suffered a blow when Benson had to withdraw from her two matches due to injury.

Elizabeth City State defeated the Lady Panthers 8-0 in the match.

"I believe our girls are trying their best," said VUU Head Tennis Coach Geri "Gigi" Carter-Thurston.  "I believe, either way, that my girls are amazing."

VUU will now host the CIAA Tennis Roundup for the first time since 2016.  Teams from Johnson C. Smith, Shaw, Bluefield State, Bowie State, Virginia State, Winston-Salem State and Livingstone take part in the 2024 CIAA Tennis Roundup.  

The Lady Panthers will meet Johnson C. Smith University at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, and will then face Winston-Salem State University, Livingstone College and Shaw University on Sunday, March 17.

All matches will be played at William Byrd Park in Richmond, Va.