ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 8 NC State women’s tennis team split a challenging weekend against top-tier competition, falling to No. 2 Ohio State on Friday before rebounding with a dominant 7-0 sweep of No. 17 Michigan on Sunday. The weekend showcased both the Wolfpack’s potential against the nation’s elite and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Battling the Buckeyes
The match against Ohio State, the reigning national champions, proved to be a stern test for NC State. Despite securing the doubles point, the Wolfpack ultimately succumbed to the Buckeyes’ firepower, falling 4-3. The doubles victory was highlighted by a 6-4 win from junior Gabriella Broadfoot and freshman Victoria Osuigwe, and a 6-2 victory from sophomore Mia Slama and freshman Lavinia Tanasie.
However, the singles matchups proved difficult for the Pack. No. 43 Broadfoot was defeated by No. 13 Teah Chavez in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, setting a tone for the remainder of the singles competition. Senior Anna Zyryanova also fell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to No. 114 Sophia Cisse-Ignatiev. No. 36 Slama fought valiantly, forcing a tiebreak in the second set, but ultimately lost to No. 3 Luciana Perry, 6-2, 7-6(5).
Junior Jasmine Conway provided the lone bright spot in singles play, securing a straight-set victory over Hephzibah Oluwadare, 7-6, 6-4. However, Osuigwe fell to Audrey Spencer 7-5, 6-4, and No. 18 Tanasie lost a hard-fought three-set match against No. 52 Nao Nishino, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, sealing the victory for Ohio State.
Dominating the Wolverines
NC State responded emphatically to the loss against Ohio State, delivering a flawless performance against Michigan, securing a 7-0 sweep. The Wolfpack demonstrated their depth and determination, winning four singles matches against higher-ranked opponents.
The doubles competition again set the stage for success, with all three pairings on track for victory before the match was decided. Broadfoot and Osuigwe continued their strong form, while Anna Zyryanova and Jasmine Conway also contributed to the dominant doubles showing.
In singles play, Slama defeated No. 14 Lily Jones, Broadfoot overcame No. 9 Piper Charney, Zyryanova bested No. 72 Reese Miller, and Osuigwe triumphed over No. 85 Emily Sartz-Lunde – all in straight sets or three-set battles. Tanasie added another ranked win to her tally, defeating No. 94 Jessica Bernales in straight sets. Conway completed the sweep with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Gabriella Lindgren.
Broadfoot’s victory over Charney was particularly noteworthy, as it ended a five-match losing streak in singles play against highly ranked opponents, including No. 1 Reese Brantmeier. She secured the win 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, showcasing her resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead
The Wolfpack (7-4) will now prepare for another challenging road trip, heading to California to face No. 14 Cal on at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and No. 22 Stanford on at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. These matches will provide further opportunities for NC State to test themselves against top competition and continue their pursuit of national prominence. The team’s ability to bounce back from the loss to Ohio State with a decisive victory over Michigan demonstrates their potential for success as the season progresses.
