Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's tennis team claimed a victory in their home spring season opener against Xavier on Friday evening. The match, held at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, concluded with a 4-3 win for the Spartans.

This victory marks MSU's first win of the season, improving their record to 1-2. Xavier, who has been the Big East champion for four consecutive years, now holds a 0-2 record. The Spartans also advanced to an 8-1 lead in their all-time series against Xavier.

MSU head coach Kim Bruno expressed confidence in her team's abilities: "Look, I know what we're capable of…We gotta go out there and prove it and just battle and want it more than another team."

The competition began with doubles matches featuring senior Liisa Vehvilainen paired with freshman Ellie Blackford, junior Matilde Morais with redshirt-sophomore Hanna Tsitavets, and junior Issey Purser with redshirt-sophomore Oriana Parkins-Godwin.

On court one, Vehvilainen and Blackford faced Xavier's Abby Nungent and Clara Owen but lost 3-6. With Xavier leading in doubles matches, pressure mounted on the remaining Spartan pairs. Morais and Tsitavets quickly secured a win with a score of 6-4. The deciding doubles point came from Purser and Parkins-Godwin who clinched their match at 7-5 after rallying from a tie.

In singles play, MSU started strong as all players won their initial points against Xavier opponents. Vehvilainen finished first at number one singles against Elizabeth Pendergast, winning decisively in two sets (6-4, 6-1). Purser faced a challenging match against Emily Flowers but was defeated 3-6, 4-6.

Tsitavets added another point for MSU by winning her match in straight sets (6-2, 6-3), while Brahmbhatt secured the overall victory for the Spartans with scores of 6-2, 7-5. Despite competitive efforts from Blackford and Morais in singles matches, they were unable to contribute additional points.

Xavier will compete against West Virginia on Saturday at noon at the MSU Tennis Center. The Spartans are set to face West Virginia on Sunday morning.

For more information about Michigan State women's tennis or to follow updates on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@MSU_WTennis), visit MSUSpartans.com.