Cincinnati's Gritty Battle Falls Short Against Ball State
In a closely contested matchup at the Western Athletic Club, the University of Cincinnati women's tennis team narrowly fell to the Ball State Cardinals, 4-3, in a thrilling display of competitive tennis.
Doubles Drama
Ball State snagged the early advantage by claiming the doubles point with victories on courts No. 1 and No. 3. However, Cincinnati's junior duo, Morgan Pyrz and Sakurako Watanabe, showcased their synergy with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Gabriella Barerra and Alana Bristow on court No. 2, providing a spark for the Bearcats.
Singles Showdown
Gabrielle Guenther ignited Cincinnati's comeback hopes with an impressive performance on court No. 1, defeating Bristow 6-1, 6-2. Not far behind, Milica Popovski continued her stellar form, securing her fifth singles victory of the season by overcoming Barrera 6-1, 6-4 on court No. 6.
Rozalia Gruszczynska added to the Bearcats' tally with a gutsy three-set triumph over Sarah Shahbaz, rallying from a set down to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 on court No. 2.
Despite Cincinnati's strong singles play, Ball State rallied with decisive wins on courts No. 4, No. 3, and No. 5, clinching the match with their resilience and depth.
Match Highlights
- Gabrielle Guenther (UC) def. Alana Bristow (BSU), 6-1, 6-2
- Rozalia Gruszczynska (UC) def. Sarah Shahbaz (BSU) 4-6, 6-2, 6-4
- Priyanka Rana (BSU) def. Sakurako Watanabe (UC) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
- Isabel Tanjuatco (BSU) def. Anastasija “Ana” Arsic (UC) 6-3, 7-6 (6)
- Asia Ting Fontana (BSU) def. Tara Kurepa (UC) 1-6, 6-4, 6-4
- Milica Popovski (UC) def. Gabriella Barerra (BSU) 6-1, 6-4
Looking Ahead
The Bearcats will look to bounce back as they continue their home stretch, hosting Butler at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, inside the Western Athletic Club. Fans can expect another exciting encounter as Cincinnati aims to capitalize on their promising singles performances.