Ball State University Athletics
Saturday, February 14
Cincinnati, Ohio
10 am
Ball State University
5
at
2
University of Dayton
Photo by: Ball State University
Cardinals Fly Past Dayton with Dominant Singles Performance
February 14, 2026 | Women's Tennis
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State women's tennis team (3-2) displayed remarkable resilience on Saturday, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 5-2 victory over the Dayton Flyers (2-7). Despite dropping the opening doubles point, the Cardinals roared back in singles play to claim five of the six available matches.
"I'm incredibly proud of how the team performed today," said Ball State head coach Sachin Kirtane. "Even though Dayton started strong with some great serving and took the doubles point, our girls regrouped instantly. Taking five of the six opening sets in singles really shifted the momentum back in our favor to secure the 5-2 win. It was a great response, and now we're focused on carrying that energy into our match against Cincinnati on Wednesday."
The afternoon began with a tightly contested double round. Ball State's top-seeded duo, Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco, continued their stellar form by securing a 6-4 victory on the top court over Natalie Osieck and Montserrat. However, the Flyers managed to clinch the doubles point by earning wins on the remaining two courts, taking a 1-0 lead into the singles portion of the meet.
Unfazed by the early setback, the Cardinals took control of the match as soon as singles play commenced. The team's depth was on full display as they dismantled the Flyers' lineup to turn the tide.
Ball State knotted the match early as Gabby Barrera surrendered only two games in her straight-sets victory at the No. 6 position. At No. 2 singles, Shahbaz followed with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win against Sierra. The Cardinals' advantage grew to 3-1 after Asia Fontana claimed her match at the No. 5 spot. Ultimately, Tanjuatco delivered the deciding point, defeating Dayton's No. 4 player 6-4, 7-5 to seal the team victory.
The Ball State women's tennis team continues non-conference action on the road Wednesday when it plays at Cincinnati. First serve is at 1 pm ET.
"I'm incredibly proud of how the team performed today," said Ball State head coach Sachin Kirtane. "Even though Dayton started strong with some great serving and took the doubles point, our girls regrouped instantly. Taking five of the six opening sets in singles really shifted the momentum back in our favor to secure the 5-2 win. It was a great response, and now we're focused on carrying that energy into our match against Cincinnati on Wednesday."
The afternoon began with a tightly contested double round. Ball State's top-seeded duo, Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco, continued their stellar form by securing a 6-4 victory on the top court over Natalie Osieck and Montserrat. However, the Flyers managed to clinch the doubles point by earning wins on the remaining two courts, taking a 1-0 lead into the singles portion of the meet.
Unfazed by the early setback, the Cardinals took control of the match as soon as singles play commenced. The team's depth was on full display as they dismantled the Flyers' lineup to turn the tide.
Ball State knotted the match early as Gabby Barrera surrendered only two games in her straight-sets victory at the No. 6 position. At No. 2 singles, Shahbaz followed with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win against Sierra. The Cardinals' advantage grew to 3-1 after Asia Fontana claimed her match at the No. 5 spot. Ultimately, Tanjuatco delivered the deciding point, defeating Dayton's No. 4 player 6-4, 7-5 to seal the team victory.
The Ball State women's tennis team continues non-conference action on the road Wednesday when it plays at Cincinnati. First serve is at 1 pm ET.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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