Spartans Set for Busy Weekend at Home, Riding Momentum Into Key Matchups
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State women’s tennis is gearing up for a packed weekend at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, with three home matches on the slate and a chance to build on a strong start to the season. The Spartans will host Xavier on Friday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m., then turn around for a Sunday doubleheader against Gonzaga at 10 a.m. and Ball State at 2 p.m.
In between, fans can catch some bonus action on Saturday, as Gonzaga and Xavier square off in a neutral-site match at 1 p.m., also at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Friday’s match will also serve as Michigan State’s celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day - a nod to the trailblazers and current athletes pushing the game forward. Sunday brings a family-friendly atmosphere to the court with Youth and Family Day, featuring activities like face tattoos and a coloring station to keep the younger fans engaged.
For those who can’t make it to East Lansing, MSUSpartans.com will have live results and streaming links available.
Spartans Start Hot
Michigan State is coming off a statement-opening weekend, sweeping both Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan in a Sunday doubleheader. These weren’t just routine wins - the Spartans took down an undefeated Eastern Michigan squad that came in 6-0, and a Western Michigan team that had won three of its first four matches. That kind of early-season dominance sets the tone, and the Spartans are clearly playing with confidence.
Sophomore Amara Brahmbhatt continues to anchor the singles lineup and remains nationally ranked at No. 116 after a strong start. She’s been a steady force in the Spartans’ rotation, and her presence gives Michigan State a reliable point in tight matches.
Doubles play has been just as sharp. The pairing of Ellie Blackford and Matilde Morais has been lights out, going undefeated so far while giving up just three total points. That kind of chemistry is tough to come by, and the ITA has taken notice, ranking the duo at No. 88 nationally.
Scouting the Weekend Opponents
Xavier (Friday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.)
The Musketeers come to East Lansing still searching for their first win of the season after a 6-1 loss to Notre Dame in their opener. They were also scheduled to compete in the ITA Kickoff in Chicago, but weather disruptions kept them grounded. That means Friday’s match will be just their second of the year - and they’ll be looking to shake off the rust quickly.
Historically, the Spartans have had the upper hand in this matchup. Since the 2015-16 season, Michigan State holds an 8-1 record against Xavier, including a tight 4-3 win in last year’s home opener.
The only blemish came in the 2022-23 season, when Xavier rallied in singles play after dropping the doubles point. Expect this one to be competitive - Xavier’s record doesn’t tell the full story of what they’re capable of.
Gonzaga (Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.)
Gonzaga arrives in East Lansing undefeated at 3-0 and hasn’t dropped a match yet this season. They’ll take on Xavier on Saturday before facing the Spartans on Sunday morning, and they’re clearly riding high.
The Spartans and Bulldogs have met just three times, with MSU holding a 2-1 edge in the series. The most recent meeting came last season in Spokane, where Gonzaga handed Michigan State a 5-2 loss in the season opener. That match saw sophomore Ellie Blackford pick up one of the few points for the Green & White, and you can bet the Spartans haven’t forgotten that result.
With Gonzaga looking to stay perfect and MSU aiming to even the recent score, this one has all the makings of a high-energy showdown.
Ball State (Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.)
The Spartans wrap up the weekend with a matchup against Ball State, a team they’ve historically handled well. Since first meeting in the 2006-07 season, Michigan State holds a 6-1 record against the Cardinals. That includes back-to-back wins in the last two seasons, both part of doubleheaders in East Lansing.
Ball State’s lone win in the series came back in 2013-14, when they flipped the match in singles play after dropping the doubles point. But recent history has favored the Spartans, including last year’s win where MSU gave up just one point.
This season, Ball State opened with a tough loss to Notre Dame (7-0) but bounced back with a 6-1 win over Navy. Before heading to East Lansing, they’ll face Butler on Friday night - another test before a Sunday afternoon clash with a confident Spartan squad.
What’s Next
After this homestand, Michigan State will head east for a pair of road matches in New York City. The Spartans will take on Prince on Friday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m., followed by a Saturday showdown with Columbia on Feb. 14, also at 1 p.m.
For now, though, the focus is on defending home court. With momentum on their side and a few ranked players leading the charge, Michigan State has a big opportunity to make a statement this weekend - and fans should be paying attention.