The Bison women’s tennis team faced off against Villanova this past Saturday afternoon, resulting in an exciting win secured by Anna Lajos ’25. The first-year went 7-6, 5-7, 6-2, winning fifth singles over Villanova’s Bella Steffen to clinch the victory for the Orange and the Blue. This was the first dual match of the spring season for the Bison women, starting off on a strong note.  

Whitney King ’25 also had a successful match, winning second singles against Emily Strande handily in two sets (6-4, 6-0). This was a big win for the first-year Bison, as Strande was named 2021 All Big-East First Team. King faced off against Strande again, this time with Bison senior captain Daniela Bellini by her side.  The two competed in the first doubles match against Strande and Annalise Klopfer and came out triumphant with a close 7-6 win. 

Madi Sebulsky ’24 and Lajos competed together at third doubles and secured a 7-6 win for the Bison.

“I was incredibly nervous, but my team’s support and excitement pushed me to play some of the best tennis I’ve ever played in my life. Going into our meet, we knew that Villanova is a really strong team, but we gave it our all and put ourselves out there. I got to play Doubles with Madi Sebulsky. Her energy and positivity on the court made it such a fun experience for me and I can’t wait to share the court with her again. My singles match was very tough. I had a lot of ups and downs, but during the crucial third set, hearing my team cheer me on and seeing their faces gave me the strength I needed to take the win for our team. I couldn’t have done it without them!” Lajos said.

Tyne Miller ’24 also put out a strong performance, defeating Villanova’s Emma Brogan in her singles match (6-3, 4-6, 6-2).  Miller paired up with Laurel Utterback ’24 to defeat Brogan again, along with Sabina Grigorian, to secure the doubles point.  

“The first match of the season always brings extra excitement and nerves and Villanova is a great team. As a team, we brought the same focus and energy into the match that we’ve had in practice. The environment during Anna’s clinch to make it 4-3 made the win even more special. We’re looking forward to traveling and competing, especially against the other Patriot League teams!” Utterback said.

Looking ahead, the Bison women are anticipating next weekend’s match against Penn State. They will be away next Friday, Jan. 28 as they go up against the Nittany Lions.