In doubles, Michigan State claimed two of three matches to secure the first point. Junior Issey Purser and redshirt sophomore Oriana Parkins-Godwin won 7-5, while junior Matilde Morais and redshirt sophomore Hanna Tsitavets triumphed 6-4.

"In doubles we did a good job, there were some big moments where we won a lot of deuce points and if you're not winning those, you're not winning the match." head coach Kim Bruno said.

Court One: Senior Liisa Vehviläinen and freshman Ellie Blackford faced Xavier's Abby Nugent and Clara Owen but fell 3-6.

Court Two: Junior Matilde Morais and redshirt sophomore Hanna Tsitavets secured a 6-4 victory, keeping MSU's hopes alive.

Court Three: Junior Issey Purser and redshirt sophomore Oriana Parkins-Godwin clinched the doubles point with a 7-5 win.

Winning the doubles point gave the Spartans momentum heading into singles play. With a 1-0 advantage, MSU needed three singles victories to clinch the match.

Singles

In singles, the Spartans split six matches with Xavier. Senior Liisa Vehvilainen won her match 6-2, 6-3, while Hanna Tsitavets secured a 6-4, 6-1 victory. Both players displayed dominance and control throughout their matches.

Bruno expressed strong belief in her team's capabilities, emphasizing the importance of determination and effort.

"Look, I know what we're capable of…We gotta go out there and prove it and just battle and want it more than another team," Bruno said.

Freshman Amara Brahmbhatt delivered a thrilling performance, winning her match 6-2, 7-5 after a back-and-forth second set.

With this win Michigan State is now 1-2 on the season as will now shift its focus to West Virginia. "We’re gonna savor this one and keep moving forward now, and hopefully they can gain some confidence and look for West Virginia on the clock." Bruno said.

MSU will face West Virginia on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. EST at the MSU Tennis Center.