ETTRICK, VA (September 23, 2019) - The Virginia State University men's and women's tennis teams kept the Virginia tennis legacy alive by hosting the 7th Annual Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Memorial Tennis Invitational on September 20-22 at the VSU Tennis Complex.

Alongside VSU, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Howard, Longwood, Norfolk State and North Carolina Central paid homage to Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, the "godfather" of tennis. Dr. Johnson spent a lot of time at Virginia State University where he started a state tennis tournament for high school African Americans.

On the men's side for the Trojans, Josh McFadden lost in the first round to Fayzullokhon Mavlyudov of Hampton, 6-3, 6-0. Also falling short in round 1 of the tournament was VSU's Nigel Stewart in a 6-3, 6-1 matchup against Jessie Simpson of North Carolina A&T, and VSU's Laurance Britt in a 6-0, 6-1 matchup against North Carolina Central's Laouon Gilchrist.

Despite VSU's Christina Washington falling to Ameer Robertson of NC A&T (6-0, 6-7(5), 10-8) in the first round, Kaela Mack defeated Mikaya Hamilton of NC A&T;  7-5, 6-1. VSU's Katlyn Kearney fell in a tough 6-0, 6-0 matchup against, Jaimy Lokoshus, but Zimaris Smith pulled through with a 6-2, 2-6, 10-8 win over Siliah Burke of Norfolk State. Although Felicia Tucker ended the day 1 with a 6-0, 6-0 loss of Crystal Nzew of Longwood, the Trojans had Lovitt and Smith to advance to day 2.

Unfortunately, Longwood and Hampton knocked the Trojans out of the tournament with a singles round 2 loss.

The men's and women's tennis team will continue to improve on their game as they advance through their 2019-2020 season.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU Tennis please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.