Ball State University Athletics
Sunday, February 22
Muncie, Ind.
11 am
Ball State University
4
vs
1
Cornell University
Women's Tennis Clinches Statement Victory Over No. 69 Cornell
February 22, 2026 | Women's Tennis
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State women's tennis team (5-3) delivered a dominant performance at home today, securing a 4-1 upset victory over 69th-ranked Cornell University (3-6) at First Serve Tennis Center.
The Cardinals bounced back emphatically after a tough road loss to Purdue earlier in the weekend, proving their resilience against high-caliber Ivy League competition.
"Despite facing a ranked opponent, we entered today's match with total confidence and a solid game plan," Ball State women's tennis senior Sydney Hrehor said. "We could have let fatigue from a long week get to us, but instead, everyone fought hard and stayed resilient. This win is a testament to our collective progress and proof that our hard work is paying off. It was a complete team effort, and I'm incredibly proud of how we supported each other."
Ball State seized early control by securing the doubles point through aggressive play at the net that kept the Big Red on their heels. Isabelle Tanjuatco and Sarah Shahbaz drew first blood with a victory at the No. 1 spot, while the No. 3 duo of Hrehor and Asia Ting Fontana put together a swift 6-1 dismantling of Sage Loudon and Dylan Gelber. Tanjuatco and Shahbaz remained undefeated today improving to 5-0 for the season.
Though Cornell briefly leveled the match at 1-1, the Cardinals' top-of-the-lineup talent regained the momentum with three straight straight-set wins. For the second time this week, Asia Fontana delivered the knockout blow; after grinding out a tough opening set at No. 5 singles against Andrea Martinez, she dominated the second set 6-1 to clinch the team victory.
The Cardinals aim to keep the momentum rolling at home when they welcome Cleveland State next Sunday, March 1, at 12 p.m.
The Cardinals bounced back emphatically after a tough road loss to Purdue earlier in the weekend, proving their resilience against high-caliber Ivy League competition.
"Despite facing a ranked opponent, we entered today's match with total confidence and a solid game plan," Ball State women's tennis senior Sydney Hrehor said. "We could have let fatigue from a long week get to us, but instead, everyone fought hard and stayed resilient. This win is a testament to our collective progress and proof that our hard work is paying off. It was a complete team effort, and I'm incredibly proud of how we supported each other."
Ball State seized early control by securing the doubles point through aggressive play at the net that kept the Big Red on their heels. Isabelle Tanjuatco and Sarah Shahbaz drew first blood with a victory at the No. 1 spot, while the No. 3 duo of Hrehor and Asia Ting Fontana put together a swift 6-1 dismantling of Sage Loudon and Dylan Gelber. Tanjuatco and Shahbaz remained undefeated today improving to 5-0 for the season.
Though Cornell briefly leveled the match at 1-1, the Cardinals' top-of-the-lineup talent regained the momentum with three straight straight-set wins. For the second time this week, Asia Fontana delivered the knockout blow; after grinding out a tough opening set at No. 5 singles against Andrea Martinez, she dominated the second set 6-1 to clinch the team victory.
The Cardinals aim to keep the momentum rolling at home when they welcome Cleveland State next Sunday, March 1, at 12 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day // Produced by Ball State Sports Link
Wednesday, February 04
Women's Tennis // Izzy Tanjuatco on ITA Championships, MAC title, and growth
Thursday, January 29
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Guest: Izzy Tanjuatco of Women's Tennis
Thursday, January 29
Homecoming // Cardinal Sinners! Presented by Gameday Spirit
Friday, October 17