Score: VCU 4, Drexel 1

Location: Richmond, Va. (Thalhimer Tennis Center)

Records: VCU 1-1, Drexel 0-1

The short story: VCU women's tennis notched four straight-set victories to cruise to a 4-1 win over Drexel on the opening day of the VCU 4-1 Invitational on Friday afternoon.

OPENING SERVE

• The Rams earned their four points in dominating fashion, dropping just 13 games across eight sets.
• Junior Anna Rasmussen led the charge for VCU with a 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Ghita Benhadi at No. 1 singles. Rasmussen holds the Rams' best individual record this season at 5-2.
• After a first-set battle, freshman Paola Exposito Diaz Delgado dominated the second set against Kendra Bunch to win 6-3, 6-0 at No. 2 singles.
• Freshman Marina Alcaide Bakkari clinched the match for VCU with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Mya Fuentes at No. 4 singles. With the win, Bakari improved to 2-0 in dual play this season.
• Freshmen Melissa Ifidzhen and Sofia Sualehe earned their third win as a doubles pair this season, taking down Ryshena Providence and Clary Rodriguez Cruz 6-3, 6-2.

THE RESULTS

Doubles
1- Melissa Ifidzhen/Sofia Sualehe (VCU) def. Ryshena Providence/Clary Rodriguez Cruz (DU)  6-3, 6-2
Singles
1- Anna Rasmussen (VCU) def. Ghita Benhadi (DU)  6-1, 6-0
2- Paola Exposito Diaz Delgado (VCU) def. Kendra Bunch (DU)  6-3, 6-0
3- Salma Ziouti (DU) def. Kanako Yano (VCU) 2-6, 6-1, 10-6
4- Marina Alcaide Bakkari (VCU) def. Mya Fuentes (DU) 6-2, 6-2

Order of finish: 1, 2, 4, Doubles, 3

UP NEXT

The Rams continue the VCU 4-1 Invitational Saturday, Jan. 20 as they face Campbell at 3 p.m. at the Thalhimer Tennis Center.