Ball State University Athletics
Thursday, March 5
Bowling Green, KY
2 pm
Ball State University
6
at
1
Western Kentucky University
Cardinals Fly Past Lady Toppers with 6-1 Road Victory
March 05, 2026 | Women's Tennis
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (March 5, 2026) – The Ball State women's tennis team continued its impressive spring campaign on Thursday afternoon, securing a dominant 6-1 road victory over Western Kentucky at the Michael O. Buchanon Park.
"In today's away game, the team stepped up perfectly when it counted most," Ball State women's tennis sophomore Alana Bristown said. "Even with the roller-coaster of ups and downs, our mutual trust and preparation pulled us through. I'm so proud of how the girls brought the heat to dominate on WKU's home turf—now, onto the next challenge this Saturday."
The Cardinals (7-3) took an early lead by grinding out hard-fought doubles point. Asia Ting Fontana and Sydney Hrehor secured the opening advantage with a gritty 6-4 win at the No. 3 spot. Meanwhile, top-flight duo Sarah Shahbaz and Isabelle Tanjuatco kept their perfect spring record intact, also winning 6-4 to improve to an impressive 8-0 on the season and giving Ball State a 1-0 cushion heading into singles play.
While the Cardinals claimed five of six singles matches against Western Kentucky, the victory was a battle, as Ball State managed to win only three opening sets. Sarah Shahbaz and Priyanka Rana provided a smooth start with straight-set wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, but the remaining courts turned into three-frame marathons.
Tanjuatco eventually clinched the match point for the Cardinals, defeating Barbara Olvera 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 at the No. 4 position, while Alana Bristow and Gabby Barrera both rallied from a set down to secure hard-fought wins on courts one and six.
The Ball State women's tennis team remains in Kentucky this weekend, traveling to Louisville to take on Bellarmine this Saturday with a noon start time. This match marks the final non-conference road contest for the Cardinals (6-3) before they open Mid-American Conference play on March 13.
"In today's away game, the team stepped up perfectly when it counted most," Ball State women's tennis sophomore Alana Bristown said. "Even with the roller-coaster of ups and downs, our mutual trust and preparation pulled us through. I'm so proud of how the girls brought the heat to dominate on WKU's home turf—now, onto the next challenge this Saturday."
The Cardinals (7-3) took an early lead by grinding out hard-fought doubles point. Asia Ting Fontana and Sydney Hrehor secured the opening advantage with a gritty 6-4 win at the No. 3 spot. Meanwhile, top-flight duo Sarah Shahbaz and Isabelle Tanjuatco kept their perfect spring record intact, also winning 6-4 to improve to an impressive 8-0 on the season and giving Ball State a 1-0 cushion heading into singles play.
While the Cardinals claimed five of six singles matches against Western Kentucky, the victory was a battle, as Ball State managed to win only three opening sets. Sarah Shahbaz and Priyanka Rana provided a smooth start with straight-set wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, but the remaining courts turned into three-frame marathons.
Tanjuatco eventually clinched the match point for the Cardinals, defeating Barbara Olvera 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 at the No. 4 position, while Alana Bristow and Gabby Barrera both rallied from a set down to secure hard-fought wins on courts one and six.
The Ball State women's tennis team remains in Kentucky this weekend, traveling to Louisville to take on Bellarmine this Saturday with a noon start time. This match marks the final non-conference road contest for the Cardinals (6-3) before they open Mid-American Conference play on March 13.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Sports Link: National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 25
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