Michigan State Women’s Tennis: A Thrilling Farewell at Home
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State women’s tennis team made waves during their final homestand, delivering an electrifying performance that saw them edge past Oregon with a dramatic 4-3 victory. The spotlight shone bright on Liisa Vehviläinen, the lone senior on the roster, who clinched her last home match in a heart-pounding showdown at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
A Nail-Biting Conclusion
With the match knotted at 3-3, all eyes turned to Vehviläinen at No. 1 singles, where she engaged in a fierce battle against Oregon’s Marjorie Souza. After an intense three-set encounter, Vehviläinen emerged victorious, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. This stunning victory not only secured the win for the Spartans, but also marked a poignant conclusion to the senior’s home career, adding an unforgettable chapter to her journey with the team.
The Spartans, currently ranked 58th nationally, celebrated their ninth home win of the season, solidifying their impressive 9-3 overall record at home. Their season tally now stands at 13-10, including a 5-7 performance in the Big Ten Conference. In contrast, Oregon’s season record dipped to 8-12, with a challenging 1-10 mark in conference play.
Doubles: A Rocky Start
The match kicked off with doubles play, a crucial segment where the Spartans initially faced difficulties. Michigan State struggled to find their footing, with freshman Amara Brahmbhatt and junior Matilde Morais falling to the Ducks in a decisive 6-0 defeat.
However, hope flickered when junior Issey Purser and redshirt-sophomore Hanna Tsitavets bounced back, clinching their match with a 6-3 victory. The doubles competition ultimately hinged on the outcome of the No. 1 pairing, where the determined duo of Ellie Blackford and Vehviläinen put forth a commendable effort but fell short, losing 6-3 and giving Oregon a slight edge going into singles play.
Singles Showdown: Spartans Rally
Determined to secure another Big Ten win, the Spartans rallied with resilience during the singles matches. Brahmbhatt quickly leveled the score by defeating Oregon’s Tilde Jagare with an impressive performance, winning 6-2, 6-3.
Following suit, Oriana Parkins-Godwin fueled the Spartans’ momentum with a commanding victory over Bridget Mihulka, winning 6-3, 6-2. However, the Ducks retaliated, equalizing the match when Patsy Daughters triumphed over Morais in straight sets, claiming 6-3, 6-4.
But the Spartans weren’t done yet. The ever-dependable Hanna Tsitavets once again turned the tide, overpowering Juliet Santitto in two nail-biting tiebreaker sets with scores of 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-1).
In a fierce contest at No. 2 singles, Blackford faced a grueling three-set battle, ultimately yielding to her opponent with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 1-6, which set the stage for the climactic moment between Vehviläinen and Souza.
Final Match and Upcoming Rivalry
As the curtains closed, Vehviläinen’s decisive win not only epitomized her grit and determination throughout the season but also served as a resounding affirmation of MSU’s fighting spirit.
Looking ahead, the Spartans gear up for their final match of the spring season, set against their in-state rival Michigan on Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m. in Ann Arbor.
For the latest updates and insights into Michigan State women’s tennis, check out MSUSpartans.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Match Results Summary
Tennis Match Results
Oregon vs Michigan State
Date: April 13, 2025
Location: MSU Indoor Tennis Center, East Lansing, Mich.
Final Score: #58 Michigan State 4, Oregon 3
Singles Competition
- Liisa Vehvilainen (MSU-W) def. Marjorie Souza (ORE) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
- Karin Young (ORE) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU-W) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
- Amara Brahmbhatt (MSU-W) def. Tilde Jagare (ORE) 6-2, 6-3
- Patsy Daughters (ORE) def. Matilde Morais (MSU-W) 6-3, 6-4
- Hanna Tsitavets (MSU-W) def. Juliet Santitto (ORE) 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-1)
- Oriana Parkins-Godwin (MSU-W) def. Bridget Mihulka (ORE) 6-3, 6-2
Doubles Competition
- Juliet Santitto/Tilde Jagare (ORE) def. Ellie Blackford/Liisa Vehvilainen (MSU-W) 6-3
- Hanna Tsitavets/Issey Purser (MSU-W) def. Karin Young/Bridget Mihulka (ORE) 6-3
- Marjorie Souza/Candela Aparisi (ORE) def. Amara Brahmbhatt/Matilde Morais (MSU-W) 6-0
Match Notes:
- Oregon: 8-12
- Michigan State: 13-10; National ranking #58
- Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (3,6,4,5,2,1)
This match not only showcased the resilience and tenacity of the Michigan State women’s tennis team, but it also provided a memorable farewell for a beloved senior. Keep your eyes on the Spartans as they prepare to battle their rival in the weeks ahead!
