“Unleashing the Blue Demons: DePaul University Athletics Hub”

MIAMI – Junior Hannah Smith and senior Eva Goncharov spearheaded the effort for the Blue Demons on the concluding day of the FIU Invitational, Sunday, January 12.

The PayCargo Tennis Center served as the venue for the third day of competition. With doubles matches commencing at 8:00 a.m. CT, Goncharov and Smith were positioned as the second match of the day as they faced off against Dana Baidaulet/Anja Draskovic (FIU). The Blue Demon tandem came out victorious, securing a tight, 7-5 advantage.

In the singles segment, Smith was defeated in a gripping three-set battle against Lara Smejkal (FAU). Smith managed to rally back to tie the match after claiming a 6-4 win in the second set. The third set showcased Smith’s determination, yet the junior succumbed in a closely contested, 10-8 tiebreak.

Gibson registered a victory after competing against Gian Octa (MIZ), ending the match at 6-4, 6-3. The freshman concluded the weekend with a 2-1 record, achieving a commendable, 6-4 standing throughout the 2024-25 tournament series. Gibson looks to maintain this positive trend as the dual season kicks off on Saturday, January 18.

For the second consecutive day, Goncharov secured wins in both singles and doubles encounters. After triumphing in doubles with Smith, the Canadian outperformed Hartel (MIZ), winning 6-4, 6-2 in singles. 

FIU Invitational 

January 12, 2025

PayCargo Tennis Center 

Miami, Fla. 

 

Day Three Results

 

Doubles

Smith/Goncharov (DPU) def. Baidaulet/Draskovic (FIU), 7-5

Gomez/Matthews(FAU) def. Stula/Cochran (DPU), 6-1

Silna/Bartha (FAU) def. Sechi/Gibson (DPU), 6-1

 

Singles

Smejkal (FAU) def. Smith (DPU), 6-2, 4-6, 10-8

Sepa (HOU) def. Stula (DPU), 6-2, 6-3

Gibson (DPU) def. Octa (MIZ), 6-4, 6-3

Roso (MIZ) def. Sechi (DPU), 6-3, 6-2

Goncharov (DPU) def. Hartel (MIZ), 6-4, 6-2

 

 

UP NEXT

DePaul launches the 2025 dual season against Notre Dame on Saturday, January 18 at 3:00 p.m. CT in South Bend, Ind. 

 

 

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