Ball State University Athletics
Saturday, January 31
South Bend, Ind.
4 pm
Ball State University
0
at
7
University of Notre Dame
Women's Tennis has Strong Performance in Spring Opener Despite Loss at Notre Dame
January 31, 2026 | Women's Tennis
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Ball State women's tennis team (0-1) opened its 2026 spring season with a hard-fought battle against Notre Dame (4-1) Saturday afternoon at the Eck Tennis Pavilion.
Despite a 7-0 overall score in favor of the Fighting Irish, the Cardinals showcased remarkable resilience and high-level play, particularly during a competitive doubles session that set a defiant tone for the season ahead.
"We played a great match with Notre Dame," Ball State head women's tennis coach Sachin Kirtane said. "The doubles point was extremely competitive. I thought we played well for it being our first match. I think the team competed hard and we are looking forward to improving match by match. We will be ready to play a tough navy team tomorrow."
The doubles competition was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by aggressive net play and strategic composure from the Ball State pairs. While Notre Dame ultimately secured the doubles point, the Cardinals' performance served as a statement that they can compete with high-caliber ACC opponents. The doubles was highlighted by the No. 1 twosome of Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco who were winners on the top court after defeating Notre Dame's Gabriella Rawles and Rylie Hanford.
Ball State's No. 2 duo of Alana Bristow and Gabriella Barrera remained within striking distance throughout the set, losing by just two games at 6-4. The doubles tandem of Sarah Shahbaz and I
In singles, the Cardinals dropped straight set decisions on five of the six courts. Not all was lost for Ball State in singles as Isabel Tanjuatco three set thriller served as the competitive centerpiece for the Cardinals today. Despite falling in the final set, Tanjuatco demonstrated elite resilience by forcing a decider against Notre Dame's Rylie Hanford.
The Ball State women's tennis team will wrap up its weekend of play in South Bend as the Cardinals take on Navy at 10 am ET on Sunday at the Eck Tennis Pavilion.
Despite a 7-0 overall score in favor of the Fighting Irish, the Cardinals showcased remarkable resilience and high-level play, particularly during a competitive doubles session that set a defiant tone for the season ahead.
"We played a great match with Notre Dame," Ball State head women's tennis coach Sachin Kirtane said. "The doubles point was extremely competitive. I thought we played well for it being our first match. I think the team competed hard and we are looking forward to improving match by match. We will be ready to play a tough navy team tomorrow."
The doubles competition was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by aggressive net play and strategic composure from the Ball State pairs. While Notre Dame ultimately secured the doubles point, the Cardinals' performance served as a statement that they can compete with high-caliber ACC opponents. The doubles was highlighted by the No. 1 twosome of Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco who were winners on the top court after defeating Notre Dame's Gabriella Rawles and Rylie Hanford.
Ball State's No. 2 duo of Alana Bristow and Gabriella Barrera remained within striking distance throughout the set, losing by just two games at 6-4. The doubles tandem of Sarah Shahbaz and I
In singles, the Cardinals dropped straight set decisions on five of the six courts. Not all was lost for Ball State in singles as Isabel Tanjuatco three set thriller served as the competitive centerpiece for the Cardinals today. Despite falling in the final set, Tanjuatco demonstrated elite resilience by forcing a decider against Notre Dame's Rylie Hanford.
The Ball State women's tennis team will wrap up its weekend of play in South Bend as the Cardinals take on Navy at 10 am ET on Sunday at the Eck Tennis Pavilion.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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