In a spirited showdown at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, Michigan State women's tennis faced a challenging afternoon against Dartmouth, ultimately falling 4-2. This marks the Spartans' third loss of the season, all against Ivy League opponents, wrapping up their non-conference play.
The day began with doubles action, where Michigan State struggled to gain momentum. The senior-sophomore duo of Matilde Morais and Nina Plihal at No. 2 doubles faced a tough match against Dartmouth's Sam Grosjean and Alexandra Orlins, ending in a 6-2 defeat.
Meanwhile, at No. 1 doubles, Oriana Parkins-Godwin and Issey Purser initially took a 3-1 lead but couldn't hold off a comeback, ultimately losing 6-4 to Michela Moore and Peyton Capuano. With the doubles point secured by Dartmouth, the match involving Ellie Blackford and Hanna Tsitavets went unfinished at 5-4.
In singles play, the Spartans aimed to turn the tide. Sophomore Amara Brahmbhatt faced a tough opponent at No. 1 singles, falling 6-2, 6-1 to Peyton Capuano.
Hanna Tsitavets brought Michigan State onto the scoreboard with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 5 singles against Lauren Han. However, Ellie Blackford couldn't overcome Michela Moore at No. 2 singles, losing 6-3, 6-0.
With a 3-1 deficit, the Spartans needed a rally. Oriana Parkins-Godwin delivered a strong performance at No. 6 singles, securing a comeback win of 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-4, adding another point for Michigan State.
The final matches at No. 3 and No. 4 singles were intense battles. Nina Plihal fought through two tie-break sets but ultimately fell to Sam Grosjean in a grueling 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 match.
With the overall match decided, Matilde Morais's match was left unfinished at 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 5-3.
Looking ahead, the Spartans will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in their Big Ten opener on February 10. They'll return to the MSU Indoor Tennis Center for their Big Ten home opener on March 13. Fans can stay connected with the team on social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook at @msu_wtennis.
Match Results:
Dartmouth 4, Michigan State 2
Singles Competition:
- Peyton Capuano (DART) def.
Amara Brahmbhatt (MSU-W) 6-2, 6-1
2.
Michela Moore (DART) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU-W) 6-3, 6-0
- Matilde Morais (MSU-W) vs.
Alexandra Orlins (DART) 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 5-3, unfinished
4.
Sam Grosjean (DART) def. Nina Plihal (MSU-W) 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
- Hanna Tsitavets (MSU-W) def.
Lauren Han (DART) 6-1, 6-4
6.
Oriana Parkins-Godwin (MSU-W) def. Josephine Lombardi (DART) 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-4
Doubles Competition:
- Michela Moore/Peyton Capuano (DART) def.
Oriana Parkins-Godwin/Issey Purser (MSU-W) 6-4
2.
Sam Grosjean/Alexandra Orlins (DART) def. Matilde Morais/Nina Plihal (MSU-W) 6-2
- Ellie Blackford/Hanna Tsitavets (MSU-W) vs.
Elise Wong/Josephine Lombardi (DART) 5-4, unfinished
Match Notes:
- Dartmouth: 6-3
- Michigan State: 6-3
- Order of finish: Doubles (2,1); Singles (1,5,2,6,4)