Michigan State University
University of South Florida
Spartans Fall to South Florida, 4-2
2/28/2024 4:40:00 PM | Women's Tennis
TAMPA, Fla. – The Michigan State women's tennis team (6-5) traveled to the sunshine state for spring break, falling South Florida (5-6), 4-2, in a midweek battle on Wednesday afternoon.
Michigan State took the doubles court with some new faces and pairings in the lineup. Sophomore Marley Lambert made a doubles appearance for the first time in the dual season on the top court, as she paired with freshman Ria Bhakta who also made her debut on court one. The duo picked up their first victory over Nadja Bay Christians and Grace Schunacher, 6-4.
The Spartans secured the doubles point on the backs of graduate Nicole Conard and sophomore Matilde Morais who paired for the first time this season. The Green and White duo defeated Marta Falceto Font and Gargi Pawar, 6-2, to send MSU into singles play with an early 1-0 lead.
South Florida would quickly tie the match on court one in straight sets 6-1, 6-3. Junior Liisa Vehvilainen would give the Spartans back the lead as she finished off Kelly Vargas in two sets 6-3,6-2 on court three.
The Bulls would go on to win the next three matches on courts six, two and five to mount the comeback victory. Despite the loss, MSU was in every contest. On court six, freshman Natalie Stasny pushed Ireland Simme to a tiebreaker set 7-6 (7-4) and dropped in a narrow 6-4 set. Both courts two (6-1, 2-6, 3-6) and five (5-7, 6-7 [4-7], 3-6) went into third sets with Morais and Lambert giving valiant effort.
The Spartans will be back in East Lansing for a double header against Ball State and Oakland on Saturday, Mar. 9.
Team Stats
#1 Doubles Match
#2 Doubles Match
#3 Doubles Match
Order of Finish:
3,1
#1 Singles Match
#2 Singles Match
#3 Singles Match
#4 Singles Match
#5 Singles Match
#6 Singles Match
Players Mentioned
