Ball State University Athletics
Sunday, February 8
East Lansing, MI
2 pm
Ball State University
2
at
4
Michigan State University
Photo by: Ball State University
Women’s Tennis Battles Big Ten Foe Michigan State in Competitive Road Test
February 08, 2026 | Women's Tennis
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ball State women's tennis team (2-2) showcased its strength in doubles play but ultimately fell 4-2 to Michigan State University on Sunday afternoon at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Despite a surging start that saw the Cardinals clinch the doubles point, the Spartans rallied in singles competition to defend their home courts.
The afternoon began with a statement from Ball State in doubles. Building on the momentum from their recent home-opening victory against Butler, the Cardinals utilized aggressive net play to secure the early 1-0 lead. Isabelle Tanjuatco paired up with a new doubles partner in teammate Anya Tkachyk today at the No. 3 slot defeating the Spartans' Anna Maria Tottrup and Sarah Fazlagic by a 6-3 decision. The deciding point then came down to court two which saw Sydney Hrehor and Asia Fontana fight their way to a 7-5 victory versus Oriana Parkins Godwin and Nina Plihal.
However, Michigan State responded with a strong singles performance taking four of the six matches to claim the defeat over Ball State. While the Cardinals were unable to secure the road upset, the match highlighted the program's competitive growth against Power Four opponents. The lone Cardinals to earn a singles point was Gabriella Barrera after she took down the Spartans' No. 5 singles player Issey Purser, 6-1, 7-5.
Ball State women's tennis will look to bounce back as they continue their road swing next weekend at Dayton which will be played in Cincinnati, Ohio at 10 am ET on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Despite a surging start that saw the Cardinals clinch the doubles point, the Spartans rallied in singles competition to defend their home courts.
The afternoon began with a statement from Ball State in doubles. Building on the momentum from their recent home-opening victory against Butler, the Cardinals utilized aggressive net play to secure the early 1-0 lead. Isabelle Tanjuatco paired up with a new doubles partner in teammate Anya Tkachyk today at the No. 3 slot defeating the Spartans' Anna Maria Tottrup and Sarah Fazlagic by a 6-3 decision. The deciding point then came down to court two which saw Sydney Hrehor and Asia Fontana fight their way to a 7-5 victory versus Oriana Parkins Godwin and Nina Plihal.
However, Michigan State responded with a strong singles performance taking four of the six matches to claim the defeat over Ball State. While the Cardinals were unable to secure the road upset, the match highlighted the program's competitive growth against Power Four opponents. The lone Cardinals to earn a singles point was Gabriella Barrera after she took down the Spartans' No. 5 singles player Issey Purser, 6-1, 7-5.
Ball State women's tennis will look to bounce back as they continue their road swing next weekend at Dayton which will be played in Cincinnati, Ohio at 10 am ET on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Players Mentioned
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Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Guest: Izzy Tanjuatco of Women's Tennis
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Homecoming // Cardinal Sinners! Presented by Gameday Spirit
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