Hristina Djokic Leads Blue Demons into BIG EAST Semifinals

CAYCE, S.C. – No. 4 seed DePaul got right down to business from the opening serve at Friday's BIG EAST Quarterfinals.

Capturing the doubles point, the Blue Demons (8-8) jumped out to a 1-0 head start and led wire-to-wire in a 4-2 victory that sent them into Saturday's semifinals against top-seeded St. John's (18-5).

The pre-tournament favorite Red Storm swept Connecticut 4-0 for its 13th win in a row, outscoring opponents 72-7 during the winning streak.

Marija Jovicic and Hristina Djokic opened the quarterfinal match with a 6-0 victory over Veronika Bruetting and Norah Balthazor at No. 2 doubles.

Lenka Antonijevic and Yuliya Kizelbasheva wrapped up the doubles point after easing past Natalie Boesing and Delaney Schurhamer 6-2 in the No. 1 spot.

Valentina Martin provided a 2-0 lead after defeating Emma Beavin 6-2, 6-1 at No. 5 singles.

Butler (8-14) cut DePaul's advantage in half winning No. 1 singles, but Antonijevic made it 3-1 by cutting down Norah Balthazar 6-3, 6-3 at the No. 3 position.

Back came Butler with a stay-alive win at No. 4 singles.

The Bulldogs would come no closer as Djokic scored the winning point after prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 over Veronika Bruetting at No. 6.

St. John's presents a formidable challenge in the noon semifinal. DePaul is the only team during the Red Storm's winning streak to score multiple points in a 5-2 setback two weeks ago in Queens, N.Y.

BIG EAST Quarterfinals
DePaul 4, Butler 2
April 22, 2022
Cayce, S.C.
(Cayce Tennis and Fitness)
Singles
1. Natalie Boesing (BU) def. Yuliya Kizelbasheva (DPU), 6-1, 6-2
2. Delaney Schurhamer (BU) leading Marija Jovicic (DPU), 7-6 (5), 3-2 – DNF
3. Lenka Antonijevic (DPU) def. Norah Balthazar (BU), 6-3, 6-3
4. Katie Beavin (BU) def. Eleanor Nobbs (DPU), 6-3, 6-1
5. Valentina Martin (DPU) def. Emma Beavin (BU), 6-2, 6-1
6. Hristina Djokic (DPU) def. Veronika Bruetting (BU), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Doubles
1. Lenka Antonijevic/Yuliya Kizelbasheva (DPU) def. Natalie Boesing/Delaney Schurhamer (BU), 6-2
2. Marija Jovicic/Hristina Djokic (DPU) def. Norah Balthazar/Veronika Bruetting (BU), 6-0
3. Valentina Martin/Eleanor Nobbs (DPU) leading Emma Beavin/Katie Beavin (BU), 5-2 – DNF

Match Notes:
DePaul 8-8
Butler 8-14
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1); Singles (5,1,3,4,6)

Hristina Djokic Leads Blue Demons into BIG EAST Semifinals

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Players Mentioned

Lenka Antonijevic

Hristina Djokic

Marija Jovicic

Yuliya Kizelbasheva

Valentina Martin

Eleanor Nobbs

DePaul University Athletics