The Wayne State University women’s tennis team secured a significant victory at the NCAA Division 2 tennis championships in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The 27th-ranked Warriors defeated the No. 23 Dallas Baptist University with a score of 4-1 in the round of 16.
Dallas Baptist, entering the Sweet 16 for the first time, had previously enjoyed a six-match winning streak. Their season losses included defeats to Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas-Tyler, St. Mary’s, and Midwestern State. In contrast, Wayne State celebrated its third consecutive Sweet 16 win.
The match began favorably for Wayne State with Anais Ruyssen and Dea Gorgidze achieving a swift victory in first doubles against Isabella Arana Rios and Madalyn Smelley. Although DBU won at third doubles, WSU clinched the doubles point through Malak Arafat and Justine Beaulieu’s win at second doubles.
Emily Buchanan from DBU leveled the match with her singles win over Beaulieu. However, victories by Gorgidze and Ruyssen reestablished Wayne State’s lead. Shanice Weekes sealed the overall victory for Wayne State in fourth singles.
Two matches were left unfinished: Arafat split sets at No. 2 singles, while Martyna Szpakowska was leading when play stopped.
Wayne State will face Midwestern State next in the quarterfinals on Thursday morning after Midwestern advanced with a win over Rockhurst.
