Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Penn State
Spartan Women’s Tennis Drops B1G Contest in Happy Valley Friday
3/6/2026 9:42:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MSU falls 4-2 despite a strenuous battle-back effort.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Michigan State women's tennis dropped its second Big Ten conference match in a 4-2 deficit at No. 38-ranked Penn State Friday evening.
MSU slides to 7-5 after a difficult series of opening conference action, while Penn State improves to 10-1.
Play opened with doubles action, where the Spartans put up a valiant effort, but they were unable to lock down the doubles point.
At No. 3 doubles, sophomores Amara Brahmbhatt and Nina Plihal fell in a 6-2 deficit. On the doubles No. 2 court, the redshirt junior/senior tandem of Oriana Parkins-Godwin and Issey Purser, followed close behind in a 6-4 defeat.
Sophomore Ellie Blackford and senior Matilde Morais's match at No. 1 doubles went unfinished, with the Spartan duo leading 5-2.
The Green & White looked to battle back in singles matches, and while the Spartans fought valiantly, they were unable to complete the comeback.
Brahmbhatt evened the score in MSU's favor, securing a point for the team with a 6-4, 6-2 victory versus Maiko Uchijima.
While the Spartans were able to even the score, the Nittany Lions were quick to retaliate, taking No. 4 singles, where Plihal was knocked off, 6-4, 6-0 by Olivia Dorner.
Morias at No. 3 was grounded by Patricia Grigoras 6-3, 6-3, totaling the third point for PSU.
No. 109-ranked Ellie Blackford battled back from dropping the first set of her match to Maelie Monfils and added the second point for the Green & White in a dramatic 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory.
With the match on the line, it was up to No. 5 and No. 6 singles.
While the Spartans rallied to strike back, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Parkins-Godwin at No. 5 singles was conquered 6-1, 6-1, by PSU's Maria Ciubotaru, securing the match in Penn State's favor.
Purser's match at No. 6 singles went unfinished against Jordina Cegarra, standing at 3-6, 3-0.
Up Next
Michigan State women's tennis returns to the MSU Indoor Tennis Center for its Big Ten home season opener against Iowa on Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m.
Following their B1G season opener, the Spartans will face Nebraska on Sunday, March 15 at 12 p.m.
Fans can keep up to date with MSU women's tennis by following them on social media on Instagram, X and Facebook @msu_wtennis.
Tennis Match Results
Michigan State vs Penn State
March 6, 2026 at University Park, Pa.
(Indoor Tennis Center)
Penn State 4, Michigan State 2
Singles competition
1. #109 Ellie Blackford (MSU-W) def. Maelie Monfils (PSU) 1-6, 7-5, 6-4
2. Amara Brahmbhatt (MSU-W) def. Maiko Uchijima (PSU) 6-4, 6-2
3. Patricia Grigoras (PSU) def. Matilde Morais (MSU-W) 6-3, 6-3
4. Olivia Dorner (PSU) def. Nina Plihal (MSU-W) 6-4, 6-0
5. Maria Ciubotaru (PSU) def. O. Parkins-Godwin (MSU-W) 6-1, 6-1
6. Jordina Cegarra (PSU) vs. Issey Purser (MSU-W) 6-3, 0-3, unfinished
Doubles competition
1. #75 Olivia Dorner/Maelie Monfils (PSU) vs. Ellie Blackford/Matilde Morais (MSU-W) 2-5, unfinished
2. Maiko Uchijima/Patricia Grigoras (PSU) def. O. Parkins-Godwin/Issey Purser (MSU-W) 6-4
3. Brianna Baldi/Maria Ciubotaru (PSU) def. Amara Brahmbhatt/Nina Plihal (MSU-W) 6-2
Match Notes:
Michigan State 7-5
Penn State 10-1
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (2,4,3,1,5)
Players Mentioned
