In a thrilling match held on March 15, 2025, at the Tufts Tennis Center in Medford, Massachusetts, the No. 14 Tufts University women’s tennis team managed to secure an impressive 4-3 victory against the No. 16 Williams College. This win ensured that Tufts remained undefeated in their spring season. Playing outdoors for the first time this spring, the Jumbos initially struggled with doubles matches but demonstrated remarkable resilience during singles play, ultimately securing a hard-fought triumph.

Initially, Tufts faced challenges as they adapted to playing outside. Williams capitalized by winning the first doubles match with a decisive 6-2 scoreline at No. 1. However, the Jumbos quickly responded with a victory in the No. 2 doubles, where Rachel Cranley and Melanie Woodbury defeated Ahn Lin and Mia Roets with a score of 6-3. The pivotal moment came at No. 3 doubles when Margaux Molyneux and Mia Thomann narrowly edged out Nikki Kintiroglou and Ellie Gershaw with another 6-3 result, giving Williams the crucial doubles point.

The singles matches proved even more intense. Early setbacks saw Molyneux extending Williams’ lead to 2-0 with her straight-set victory over Cranley at No. 3 singles. Yet, Tufts swiftly countered through Athena Li, who triumphed in straight sets over Jane Ladaga at No. 1 singles. Melanie Woodbury showcased incredible determination by overcoming a poor start to dominate Julia Zhang in the second and third sets at No. 2 singles, leveling the match at 2-2.

Lucy Mitchell further bolstered Tufts' chances by staging a comeback at No. 4 singles, defeating her opponent after losing the first set. With the score tied at three apiece, all eyes were on the final two matches. At No. 6, Williams regained parity thanks to Mia Roets' victory over Natalie Hu. The ultimate showdown unfolded at No. 1 singles, where Ellie Gershaw displayed extraordinary grit. After dropping the first set, she fought back valiantly, prevailing in the second and clinching the decisive third set with a dramatic 6-4 finish.

This victory marked Tufts' first over Williams since March 12, 2023, breaking a streak of three consecutive losses. It also highlighted their dominance in recent encounters, having won four out of the last seven matches. As they celebrate this milestone, the Jumbos prepare for their next challenge against Southwestern University in Texas on March 18.