In a thrilling showdown at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, Michigan State's women's tennis team clinched a crucial 4-2 victory over the No. 39-ranked Iowa, marking their first Big Ten conference win of the season. This victory not only boosts the Spartans to a 1-2 record in Big Ten play but also improves their overall record to 8-5. Meanwhile, Iowa now stands at 8-6 overall and 2-1 in the conference.
The Spartans' triumph over the Hawkeyes is their first since 2019, adding an extra layer of satisfaction for the home team and its supporters.
The evening kicked off with an electrifying set of doubles matches. At No. 3 doubles, sophomores Amara Brahmbhatt and Nina Plihal set the tone with a commanding 6-3 win.
The highlight of the doubles round was undoubtedly the performance of sophomore Ellie Blackford and senior Matilde Morais, who took down the No. 25-ranked Iowa duo of Mia Mack and Daianne Hayashida, securing the doubles point with a 6-3 victory. The No. 2 doubles match featuring Oriana Parkins-Godwin and Issey Purser was left unfinished at 5-6, but the Spartans had already gained the upper hand.
As the action moved to singles, Brahmbhatt continued her impressive form, defeating Tereza Dejnozkova 6-3, 6-4 to add another point for Michigan State. Iowa's Mia Mack, ranked No. 87, responded by overcoming Blackford at No. 1 singles, 6-2, 6-3, keeping the Hawkeyes in contention.
Parkins-Godwin battled through a challenging second set to secure a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Pia Kranholdt, bringing the Spartans closer to their goal. Morais then delivered the clinching point in a gritty three-set match against Emma Tothova, emerging victorious 6-3, 0-6, 6-1.
Although Sally Xu of Iowa managed to edge out Purser 6-4, 7-5 at No. 5 singles, the Spartans had already sealed the win. Plihal's match against Nikita Vishwase was left unfinished at 6-7 (3-7), 4-4, as the overall outcome was already decided.
Looking ahead, Michigan State will host Nebraska on Sunday, March 15, at 12 p.m. in East Lansing. The Spartans will then face USC and UCLA the following weekend, continuing their Big Ten campaign.
Fans eager to follow the Spartans' journey can stay updated via their social media channels @msu_wtennis on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Match Results
Iowa vs Michigan State
3/13/2026 at East Lansing, MI
(MSU Indoor Tennis Center)
Michigan State 4, #39 Iowa 2
Singles competition 1.
#87 Mia Mack (IOWA) def. #109 Ellie Blackford (MSU-W) 6-2, 6-3
- Amara Brahmbhatt (MSU-W) def.
Tereza Dejnozkova (IOWA) 6-3, 6-4
3.
Matilde Morais (MSU-W) def. Emma Tothova (IOWA) 6-3, 0-6, 6-1
- Nina Plihal (MSU-W) vs.
Nikita Vishwase (IOWA) 6-7 (3-7), 4-4, unfinished
5.
O. Parkins-Godwin (MSU-W) def.
Pia Kranholdt (IOWA) 6-3, 7-5
6.
Sally Xu (IOWA) def. Issey Purser (MSU-W) 6-4, 7-5
Doubles competition 1.
Ellie Blackford / Matilde Morais (MSU-W) def. #25 Mia Mack/Daianne Hayashida (IOWA) 6-3
- O.
Parkins-Godwin/ Issey Purser (MSU-W) vs. Tereza Dejnozkova/Nikita Vishwase (IOWA) 5-6, unfinished
- Amara Brahmbhatt / Nina Plihal (MSU-W) def.
Emma Tothova/Pia Kranholdt (IOWA) 6-3
Match Notes:
Iowa 8-6; National ranking #39
Michigan State 8-5