The NC State women’s tennis team has quickly established itself as a formidable force this season, with freshman players making significant impacts. The Wolfpack’s latest victory came against the No. 10 Pepperdine Waves, where newcomer Michaela Laki delivered an impressive performance. Her win over Pepperdine’s top player, Savannah Broadus, solidified her place among the program’s rising stars.

Building on their momentum from the season-opening match against Campbell, where they secured a dominant 7-0 win, NC State continued to demonstrate their strength. In the doubles round against Pepperdine, the young duo of Laki and Kristina Paskauskas set the tone with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Waves' ranked pair. This early success provided a strong foundation for the singles matches that followed. Head coach Simon Earnshaw praised the team’s solid start, noting that their consistency in both doubles and singles played a crucial role in securing the win.

NC State’s triumph over Pepperdine was highlighted by Laki’s remarkable performance. Despite facing challenges early in both sets, Laki managed to turn things around, winning four consecutive games to clinch the first set 6-4. She maintained her composure under pressure, ultimately securing the second set by the same score. Her victory not only boosted the team’s morale but also shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Wolfpack. As Coach Earnshaw remarked, Laki’s win was pivotal, given Broadus’s reputation as one of the nation’s top players.

This early success bodes well for NC State’s future. The team, composed primarily of underclassmen, has shown resilience and adaptability. Laki, who only arrived on campus a few weeks ago, credited her teammates and coaches for helping her settle in smoothly. With more challenging matches ahead, including the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Wolfpack is poised to continue its upward trajectory. Coach Earnshaw expressed optimism about the team’s potential, emphasizing their positive energy and readiness to compete at a high level.