DePaul Women’s Tennis Battles Villanova in INTENSE BIG EAST Quarterfinal Showdown
CAYCE, S.C. – In a thrilling confrontation that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the DePaul University women’s tennis team faced off against Villanova in the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Tennis Championships. The match, saturated with tension and excitement, culminated in a narrow 4-3 defeat for the Blue Demons, marking the end of their 2025 dual season.
A Promising Start
Play commenced promptly at 11:45 a.m. CT at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center, and DePaul quickly demonstrated their prowess on the court. The dynamic duo of Roberta Sechi and Eleanor Nobbs launched the Blue Demons into the lead with an astounding 6-0 victory on doubles court two. They were soon joined by the No. 3 team of Eleanor Cochran and Sasha Stula, who showcased their dominance with a matching 6-0 win, securing the doubles point for the Scarlet and Blue. Meanwhile, Eva Goncharov and Hannah Smith were leading 5-2 on court one when their match was left unfinished.
Singles Action Heats Up
As the singles matches unfolded, Villanova started to rally. They claimed a 6-2, 6-4 victory on court six and took another point with a 6-2, 7-5 win in the top slot, shifting the momentum and putting DePaul at a 2-1 deficit.
However, the resilient Eleanor Nobbs stepped up, leveling the match with a 7-6 (6), 6-0 win at the fourth position. Her experience proved crucial as she battled through a tight first set, using her tactical prowess to secure a decisive second set.
A Fight to the Finish
The stakes grew higher when Goncharov, who had started strong with a 6-1 lead, ultimately fell to Villanova’s Maggie Gehrig with a score of 1-6, 6-2, 6-4, swinging the advantage back to the Wildcats.
Undeterred, Sasha Stula delivered an electrifying performance on court two. After a stunning 6-0 first set, she faced a challenging second set but compelled a decisive third-set tiebreak. With her back against the wall, Stula clawed her way back, clinching a 6-4 victory and tying the match at three.
The Decisive Court Five
The final showdown took place on court five, where Isabella Gibson was embroiled in a fierce battle against Jenna Stevens. The match oscillated with tension, with Stevens taking the first set 7-5 and Gibson responding with a commanding 6-2 win in the second. In the high-stakes third set, Gibson fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Stevens with a 6-2 decision, sealing the victory for Villanova.
Match Summary
Final Score: Villanova 4, DePaul 3
Date: April 18, 2025
Location: Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center, Cayce, South Carolina
Doubles Standings
- Eva Goncharov/Hannah Smith (DPU) vs. Sophia Edwards/Miriam Gondorova (VU): 5-2, unfinished
- Eleanor Nobbs/Roberta Sechi (DPU) def. Olivia Corcoran/Jenna Stevens (VU): 6-0
- Eleanor Cochran/Sasha Stula (DPU) def. Maggie Gehrig/Lauren Monti (VU): 6-0
Singles Results
- Sophia Edwards (VU) def. Hannah Smith (DPU): 6-2, 7-5
- Sasha Stula (DPU) def. Olivia Corcoran (VU): 6-0, 4-6, 6-4
- Maggie Gehrig (VU) def. Eva Goncharov (DPU): 1-6, 6-2, 6-4
- Eleanor Nobbs (DPU) def. Miriam Gondorova (VU): 7-6 (6), 6-0
- Jenna Stevens (VU) def. Isabella Gibson (DPU): 7-5, 2-6, 6-2
- Lauren Monti (VU) def. Eleanor Cochran (DPU): 6-2, 6-4
Wrapping Up the Season
Despite the heart-wrenching conclusion, this match underscored the Blue Demons’ competitive spirit and the bright future ahead for DePaul women’s tennis. With a record of 10-11 (4-4 BIG EAST), the squad has shown significant growth and resilience throughout the season.
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This season may have concluded, but the spirit and determination of the DePaul Blue Demons will undoubtedly linger well into the future!
