Cincinnati Women’s Tennis Prepares for Rivalry Matchup with Miami (OH)
The Bearcats are back on home turf this weekend, and there’s more than just a match on the line. Cincinnati women’s tennis is set to host in-state rival Miami (OH) this Saturday at 6 p.m. inside the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio - a venue that’s seen its fair share of high-stakes tennis, and this one figures to bring some added energy.
Before first serve, the program will welcome back former players with an Alumni Event beginning at 4:30 p.m., giving past and present Bearcats a chance to connect before the current squad takes the court.
Cincinnati enters the matchup riding high at 3-1 on the season, coming off a convincing 5-2 win over Western Michigan. That victory wasn’t just a number in the win column - it was a statement about the team’s depth and chemistry, especially in doubles play.
The pairing of Rozalia Gruszczynska and Anastasija “Ana” Arsic set the tone early, cruising to a 6-2 win over Western Michigan’s Lola Glantz and Frida Weijerman. Their aggressive net play and synchronized movement gave the Bearcats early momentum. Gabrielle Guenther and Isabel Pacheco followed up with a clutch 6-4 win of their own to clinch the doubles point, showing poise in the tight moments against Polina Khoto and Audrey Smitek.
In singles, it was Gruszczynska again who wasted no time. The senior from Kraków, Poland, delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-1 performance over Weijerman, setting the tone for the rest of the lineup.
Her court presence and shot selection continue to be a steadying force for the Bearcats. Milica Popovski closed things out on court No. 6, sealing the team win with a composed singles victory that pushed the final tally to 5-2.
Now, the focus shifts to Miami (OH), a team Cincinnati knows well - and one they handled convincingly last year in a 6-1 win. But rivalry matches rarely follow the script.
Historically, the RedHawks have had the upper hand, holding an 8-14 edge in the all-time series. Still, Cincinnati has been flipping the narrative in recent years, and Saturday offers another chance to shift the balance.
Miami (OH) rolls in at 2-6, but they’re coming off a confidence-boosting weekend with back-to-back wins over Cleveland State (5-2) and Oakland (4-3). Their doubles team of Maria Komar and Nina Chavez has been a bright spot, earning Mid-American Conference Doubles Team of the Week honors after a pair of strong performances. They took down Oakland’s Nisa Bulut and Oliwia Klimas 6-4 on Sunday, following a dominant 6-1 showing against Cleveland State’s Anna Mancino and Leah Geisz the day before.
For Cincinnati, Saturday’s matchup is more than just another non-conference clash. It’s a chance to build on early-season momentum, to assert their growing identity, and to do it all in front of a home crowd - with alumni watching on and a familiar rival across the net.
Expect energy. Expect intensity. And expect a Bearcats squad ready to show they’re not just building - they’re here to win.