West Virginia Women’s Tennis Shines: Mountaineers Defeat Cincinnati in Thrilling Season Finale
In a dramatic season finale, the West Virginia University women’s tennis team triumphed over the Cincinnati Bearcats with a score of 4-2 at the Trabert-Talbert Tennis Center in Cincinnati on Saturday. This victory marks a significant milestone: it’s the first time since joining the Big 12 that the Mountaineers have secured multiple conference road wins in a single season.
Breaking New Ground in the Big 12
With this win, West Virginia finishes the regular season with a commendable record of 8-16 overall and 2-11 in Big 12 competition. Not only have they secured multiple wins in consecutive seasons, but this victory also exemplifies the growth of the program within a competitive conference.
Dominance in Doubles
The match commenced with an exceptional performance in doubles, setting a strong tone for the day. The duo of Michaela Kucharova, a senior, and Laura Villanueva Morillo, a promising freshman, led the charge, achieving their team-leading ninth win of the season. Lyla Byers and Tatiana Lipatova solidified the doubles point, clinching a decisive victory in the No. 3 seed match with an impressive score of 6-2.
Singles Action: Building on Momentum
As singles play began, Tatiana Lipatova continued the momentum, delivering an emphatic victory in the No. 6 seed match against Callie Flanagan, 6-0, 6-2. However, the Bearcats fought back, quickly leveling the score as they claimed back-to-back victories in other matches.
But the Mountaineers were relentless. Laura Villanueva Morillo asserted her prowess by winning in the No. 5 spot with a thrilling finish of 7-5, 7-6 (0), restoring West Virginia’s lead. The decisive match came when Kucharova delivered a gutsy performance in the No. 3 seed match, defeating Gabrielle Guenther 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 to clinch the victory for the Mountaineers.
Highlights of the Match
Doubles Pairings:
- Kucharova/Villanueva Morillo secured their ninth victory.
- Byers/Lipatova clinched the doubles point with a 6-2 win.
- Key Singles Matches:
- Lipatova defeated Flanagan 6-0, 6-2.
- Villanueva Morillo triumphed over Watanabe, 7-5, 7-6 (0).
- Kucharova solidified the team win with a final score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.
What’s Next for the Mountaineers?
Looking ahead, West Virginia will compete in the 2025 Big 12 Tennis Championship on Wednesday, April 16, with their opponent yet to be determined. This tournament will be a crucial opportunity for the Mountaineers to showcase their skill and determination on a larger stage.
For more updates and information about the Mountaineers, fans can visit WVUsports.com and follow the team’s journey on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
As the Mountaineers move forward into the postseason, one thing is clear: they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate tennis.
