MSU redshirt sophomore Oriana Parkins-Godwin serves during the doubles match at MSU Tennis Center on Jan. 26, 2025.
After opening the season with losses to Gonzaga and Washington State, Michigan State University women's tennis rebounded with back-to-back wins, defeating Xavier 4-3 and West Virginia 6-1. The Spartans now sit at 2-2 after an impressive victory against the Mountaineers.
"I know this team is capable of a lot, and we are just getting a little bit sharper, and a little bit more disciplined," head coach Kim Bruno said.
In doubles play, Michigan State won two of the three matches, with the third match left unfinished as juniors Matilde Morais and redshirt sophomore Hanna Tsitavets led 4-3.
Junior Issey Purser and redshirt sophomore Oriana Parkins-Godwin defeated their opponents 6-1, while senior Liisa Vehvilainen and freshman Ellie Blackford secured a 6-4 victory.
In singles competition, Michigan State excelled, winning five of the six matches.
Vehvilainen won her match 6-2, 6-2, while Tsitavets earned a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory. Both players showcased dominance, limiting their opponents to no more than two points.
Freshman Amara Brahmbhatt and Morais also delivered strong performances against their opponents.
Brahmbhatt secured her match with a 6-0, 6-3 victory, while Morais rebounded with a 6-1, 6-2 win against West Virginia.
"I felt like I played a good match on Friday, but at the end of the day she figured out how to beat me that day," Morais said. "I was just happy that we won overall, so I'm just trying to focus on that coming into the match. I try to focus on the positives of my loss and bring that to the next match."
Michigan State, now 2-2, will have a week of rest before aiming to extend its winning streak against Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan on Feb. 2 at the MSU Tennis Center.
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