The Duquesne University women’s tennis team embarked on their 2025 campaign with a challenging start, facing the formidable #9 Virginia Cavaliers in back-to-back matches. Despite the tough losses, the Dukes demonstrated resilience and determination, setting the stage for an eventful season ahead.

Overcoming Adversity: The Path to Growth Begins Here

Opening Battles at Virginia

The inaugural matches of the season took place at Charlottesville, Va., where the Dukes faced a powerhouse opponent in the #9 Virginia Cavaliers. In both encounters, the Cavaliers dominated, securing victories in all doubles and singles contests. In the first match, Virginia secured an early lead by sweeping all three doubles sets. Kaya Rand and Alexandra O’Brien faced a formidable challenge from Elaine Chervinsky and Melodie Collard, ultimately falling 6-0. Similarly, Mila Badis and Jasa Roka encountered strong resistance from Annabelle Xu and Martina Genis Salas, also losing 6-0. Taisia Yakunina and Sofia Serrano put up a valiant effort but were edged out 6-3 by Sara Ziodato and Meggie Navarro.The singles competition saw Virginia maintain their dominance. Badis was defeated by Xu, 6-2, 6-1, while Roka narrowly lost to Ziodato in a thrilling three-set match, 4-6, 6-0, 10-7. Rand and O’Brien also faced tough opposition, dropping their matches against Collard and Genis Salas respectively. The final two singles positions saw Serrano and Sofia Lopez-Linares Perez succumb to Blanca Pico Navarro and Nicole Kiefer, each losing decisively.

A Second Test of Resolve

In the second match, the Cavaliers once again secured the doubles point by winning all three sets. Rand and O’Brien fell 6-1 to Chervinsky and Collard, while Yakunina and Serrano lost 6-1 to Karolina Kozakova and Ziodato. Freshman Denisse Arinez Guilarte and Lopez-Linares Perez were defeated 6-0 by Navarro and Kiefer.Virginia continued their dominance in singles play. Roka and Badics suffered quick defeats at the hands of Chervinsky and Ziodato, both matches ending 6-0, 6-0. Rand fought hard against Kozakova, eventually losing 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. O’Brien narrowly lost to Collard, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1. Yakunina and Arinez Guilarte rounded out the singles competition with losses to Genis Salas and Navarro.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Growth

Despite the challenging start, the Duquesne women’s tennis team remains focused on improving and building momentum. The next stop on their journey is Buffalo, where they will face a non-conference opponent on Friday, Jan. 31. This match presents an opportunity for the Dukes to regroup, refine their strategies, and showcase their progress.As the season unfolds, the team aims to harness the lessons learned from these initial matches. The players are committed to developing their skills and fostering a resilient spirit that will carry them through the challenges ahead. Fans can look forward to witnessing the growth and determination of this dedicated group of athletes as they strive for success in every match.