Bearcats Women’s Tennis Rolls Past Western Michigan, Improves to 3-1
CINCINNATI - The Bearcats are building something. Behind a mix of veteran poise and rising talent, the University of Cincinnati women’s tennis team moved to 3-1 on the season with a strong 5-2 win over Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon at the Western Athletic Club.
From the first serve in doubles, Cincinnati came out locked in. The duo of Rozalia Gruszczynska and Anastasija “Ana” Arsic wasted no time setting the tone, cruising to a 6-2 win on Court No. 1 over Lola Glantz and Frida Weijerman. Their chemistry was on full display-clean returns, sharp net play, and a sense of control that never wavered.
Moments later, Gabrielle Guenther and Isabel Pacheco clinched the doubles point with a 6-4 win on Court No. 3 against Polina Khoto and Audrey Smitek. It wasn’t just about shot-making-it was about poise under pressure. With the match hanging in the balance, the Bearcats delivered.
That early momentum carried right into singles play, where Cincinnati continued to dominate.
Gruszczynska stayed hot, turning in another commanding performance. Her 6-2, 6-1 victory over Weijerman was clinical-precise groundstrokes, smart court coverage, and a rhythm that never let her opponent breathe. She’s been a steady force for the Bearcats early this season, and Saturday was no exception.
On Court No. 4, Sakurako Watanabe delivered a composed 6-2, 6-3 win over Sienna Osborne. Watanabe’s consistency from the baseline and ability to dictate pace made the difference in a match that was closer than the score might suggest.
Guenther followed suit on the top court, taking down Glantz 6-2, 6-2. Her ability to control rallies and finish points efficiently continues to be a key asset for Cincinnati at the No. 1 spot.
Milica Popovski sealed the deal on Court No. 6, grinding out a win to give the Bearcats their fifth point and close the match at 5-2. That kind of depth-getting wins from both the top and bottom of the lineup-is what gives this team staying power as the season unfolds.
Western Michigan did manage to snag a pair of singles wins. Smitek edged out Arsic in a hard-fought three-set battle, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, while Marielou Baudouin outlasted Tara Kurepa in a super tiebreak, 5-7, 6-3, 11-9. Still, the Bearcats had already done the damage.
Doubles Results
- Gruszczynska/Arsic (UC) def.
Glantz/Weijerman (WMU), 6-2
- Guenther/Pacheco (UC) def.
Khoto/Smitek (WMU), 6-4
- Watanabe/Kurepa (UC) vs.
Frazier/Osborne (WMU), 6-6, unfinished
Singles Results
- Guenther (UC) def.
Glantz (WMU), 6-2, 6-2
- Gruszczynska (UC) def.
Weijerman (WMU), 6-2, 6-1
- Smitek (WMU) def.
Arsic (UC), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5
- Watanabe (UC) def.
Osborne (WMU), 6-2, 6-3
- Baudouin (WMU) def.
Kurepa (UC), 5-7, 6-3, 11-9
- Popovski (UC) def.
[Opponent not listed], [Score not listed]
With the win, Cincinnati continues to build early-season momentum. Next up, the Bearcats head to the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, where they’ll take on the Miami Redhawks on Saturday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m.
If they keep playing with this kind of balance and confidence, the Bearcats could be a team to watch as the season heats up.