In a hard-fought match on March 20, 2025, the Tufts University women’s tennis team faced off against the nation’s top-ranked University of Chicago. Despite putting up a strong fight in several key matches, particularly in doubles play, the Jumbos were unable to secure a victory and ultimately fell 7-0 at Henderson Courts in Georgetown, Texas. This marked the first loss for Tufts in the spring season after an impressive streak of nine consecutive wins.

The competition began with intense doubles matches where Tufts nearly edged past their formidable opponents. Stephanie Woodbury and Natalie Hu narrowly lost a tightly contested battle against Chicago's Mikos sisters, falling 6-4. At No. 2 doubles, Melanie Woodbury and Rachel Cranley also showcased exceptional resilience, losing by a slim margin of 7-5. These close encounters demonstrated the Jumbos' ability to challenge even the highest-ranked teams in the nation.

Transitioning into singles play, Tufts continued to exhibit determination and skill. Rachel Cranley delivered one of the most competitive performances of the day at No. 3 singles, pushing her opponent before eventually succumbing to a 6-2, 7-5 defeat. Similarly, Athena Li fought fiercely at No. 5 singles, engaging in extended rallies that tested both players’ endurance, only to lose 6-4, 7-5. At No. 6 singles, Natalie Hu maintained her usual tenacity, keeping the match close until she fell 6-2, 6-4.

This setback will serve as a learning experience for the Jumbos as they prepare for their upcoming match against No. 10 Trinity University of Texas. The contest is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in San Antonio, Texas, presenting another opportunity for Tufts to showcase their growing talent and adaptability.

Though the final score may not reflect it, the Tufts women’s tennis team proved their mettle against a highly skilled opponent. Their performance highlighted areas of strength and identified opportunities for growth moving forward. With this experience under their belts, the Jumbos are poised to continue building momentum as they head into their next challenge against Trinity University.