The Baylor women's tennis team is set to embark on its 2025 spring season, opening against Harvard this Sunday at the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center. The match, scheduled for 11 a.m., will be streamed live online via Playsight. Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to receive the new 2024-25 team poster. Last season, Baylor finished with a record of 17-13, narrowly losing in the NCAA first round to LSU. This year, the team returns six players from last year's roster and welcomes several promising freshmen. Among the returning players, Liubov Kostenko and Cristina Tiglea, who previously competed in the NCAA Doubles Championship, will be key figures in the lineup.
As Baylor prepares for the new season, the addition of freshmen Na Dong and Wenfei Yu brings fresh talent to the squad. Ranked 76th and 118th respectively in singles, these newcomers are expected to make significant contributions. Kostenko and Tiglea, who teamed up during the fall play, will start the season ranked No. 13 in doubles. Despite being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Individual Championships, their partnership has shown promise. Freshman Nanaka Sato also made an impact last fall by leading the team in singles victories with nine wins. The duo of Yu and Berry secured seven doubles wins, further strengthening the team's depth.
The 2024-25 Baylor women's tennis team boasts a blend of experienced returnees and talented newcomers. With six returning players and highly-ranked freshmen, the Bears are poised to build on their previous successes. Kostenko and Tiglea's experience in high-level competition, including the NCAA Doubles Championship, adds a competitive edge. Their performance in the fall showcased their potential, despite early exits in some tournaments. The team's preparation over the offseason has prepared them well for the challenges ahead, starting with this Sunday's match against Harvard.
This Sunday's match marks the beginning of an exciting season for Baylor women's tennis. The team's combination of seasoned veterans and promising rookies sets the stage for a competitive campaign. With all home matches free for spectators, fans can enjoy watching the Bears compete while staying updated through the team's official social media channels. The upcoming season promises thrilling matches and opportunities for the team to showcase their skills on a national stage.