CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Shaw University Lady Bears defeated Johnson C. Smith 6-3 in CIAA tennis action on Sunday afternoon.

Four of Shaw's six top-seeded players won their singles matches, all of which were done in straight sets.

Claudia Silva defeated Rankin Anderson, winning 6-2, 6-2 to lead the charge in singles action for the Lady Bears.  Jessica Medina, the No. 2 seed for the Lady Bears, beat Keiana Love 6-2, 6-0. Michelle Hart cruised past Felicia Akande 6-0, 6-2 while Gislaine Farias defeated Khadijha Battle 6-4, 6-0 to contribute for the Lady Bears.

Johnson C. Smith picked up victories in the No. 5 singles match as Nichelle Heard defeated Shaw's Desiree Bell 6-4, 6-2. The Lady Bears were forced to forfeit their sixth-seeded match because they were short handed.

Shaw's top-two doubles teams won their matches. The duo of Medina and Hart defeated the team of Battle and Anderson 8-5. The tandem of Silva and Farias defeated Barnes and Love 8-3 to help the Lady Bears pick up the victory.

The Lady Bears didn't have a third-seeded doubles team, therefore giving the Johnson C. Smith duo of Akande and Heard the victory via forfeit.  

article by Ryan Sarda