Penn State women’s tennis lost a closely contested match against No. 22 Washington, 4-2, at the Sarni Tennis Center on April 17. The Nittany Lions’ record now stands at 13-10 overall and 4-8 in the Big Ten, while the Huskies improved to 18-3 and 9-3 in conference play.
The outcome was decided by a series of tightly fought singles and doubles matches. Olivia Dorner and Maelie Monfils extended their court one doubles winning streak to five with a win over Erika Matsuda and Karolina Kozakova, finishing the set at 6-2. However, Penn State dropped the next two doubles matches, giving Washington an early advantage.
Dorner evened the score for Penn State by securing her fifth Big Ten singles victory of the season with a straight-set win over Marie Weissheim (6-3, 6-3). Brianna Baldi then gave Penn State its first lead after winning her singles match on court six in two sets (6-4, 7-6 [7-4]).
Washington responded by claiming victories in three consecutive singles matches. Maria Daciana Ciubotaru lost to Jermine Sherif (7-6 [7-4], 6-1), Patricia Grigoras fell to Reece Carter (7-6 [8-6], 0-6, 6-1), and Monfils was defeated by Matsuda (4-6, 6-2, 6-3). Maiko Uchijima’s contest against Alexia Jacobs went unfinished as Washington clinched the team victory.
The Nittany Lions will host Oregon on Sunday at Sarni Tennis Center for Senior Day presented by the Penn State Alumni Association. The event will honor seniors Olivia Dorner and Maiko Uchijima as Penn State concludes its regular season.
