FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU's
Nora Svensson and 80
th-ranked Stefanie Yakoff of Harvard had nearly identical records entering Thursday's match with the main difference being Yakoff was nationally ranked. In the end, it was Svensson making Yakoff see
red Crimson as the Eagles' sophomore recorded her first career victory over a ranked opponent in a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Yakoff, who had not lost a singles match since Jan. 31 and a doubles match since Oct. 24, 2025, seemed stunned in the aftermath of the loss. Svensson, unsurprisingly, was all smiles.
"It was pretty windy today, so I just tried to stay focused during the whole match and follow my game plan, and I did," Svensson said, reflecting on her match against a ranked opponent, noting the challenging conditions and her strategic approach.
It almost marked the second ranked win of the day for Svensson, after her doubles match with
June Bjork was halted with a 5-2 lead over Harvard's Yakoff and Kavya Karra, ranked 49
th in the nation. The 73
rd-ranked Crimson (9-5) won the doubles point, followed by the match, 4-2. It marked only the second home loss of the season for FGCU (13-5).
Despite the Eagles' overall loss, Svensson maintained a positive outlook.
"We had a good game plan that I followed through the whole match, and I just enjoyed playing today," Svensson added.
Svensson's win gave FCGU a brief 2-1 lead in the match as she concluded her singles match just minutes after
Cecilie Maeland posted a 6-2, 6-2 win over Harvard's Kate Kim.
However, the Crimson wasted no time in clinching the match as Andra Braicu posted a 6-2, 6-2 win over
Anjali Kotecha at No. 6 singles while Karra claimed a win at No. 2 singles over
June Bjork, 7-5, 6-1.
Earlier, Harvard secured the doubles point with victories on courts two and three. At No. 2 doubles, Kate Kim and Claire Shao defeated
Cecilie Maeland and
Anjali Kotecha 6-1. The deciding win came at No. 3 doubles, where Natalie Block and Natasha Rajaram earned a 6-2 victory over
Africa Burillo Berezak and
Ashley Matz.
Up next for the Green & Blue is a home match against No. 67 Brown on Wednesday, Mar. 25 at 10 a.m. at the FGCU Tennis Complex.
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Game Notes:
- Svensson's 6-2, 6-2 win over No. 80 Stephanie Yakoff marked her first career win over a ranked opponent.
- That win also gave Svensson a team-leading 18 wins in singles so far this season.
- The Eagles are now 1-1 against Division I ranked teams this season.
