Rockets Squeak Past Cardinals in 4-3 Thriller at Ball State

Friday, April 10

Muncie, Ind.

1 pm

Ball State University

University of Toledo

Sydney Hrehor vs. Toledo in Muncie Women's Tennis

Rockets Squeak Past Cardinals in 4-3 Thriller at Ball State

April 10, 2026 | Women's Tennis

Final Stats

MUNCIE, Ind. -The Ball State women's tennis team (9-8, 2-4 MAC) suffered a narrow 4-3 loss to rival Toledo (9-8, 3-3 MAC) today. Despite a high-intensity performance and a deep display of heart from the Cardinals, they were unable to secure the final points needed for the victory.

In a highly competitive doubles session that came down to the wire, the Cardinals ultimately edged out the Rockets to secure the match's opening point. Ball State earned the early advantage with hard-fought victories at the No. 1 and No. 3 spots. As expected, the top pairing of Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco struck first; after a back-and-forth battle, Tanjuatco sealed a 7-5 win over Neha Guru and Isabella Barretto with a sharp volley while serving for the match. Although the Rockets responded with a win on court No. 2, the doubles point was decided at the No. 3 position. There, Asia Fontana and Sydney Hrehor rallied to force a tiebreak, eventually clinching the point with a gritty 7-6 (7-3) victory over Jacklynka Scholten and Jone Ibanez.

Fontana dominated her singles match on court three, carrying over her momentum from doubles to secure a swift 6-0, 6-3 victory. Her win gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead, but the Rockets quickly responded. Toledo leveled the score at 2-2 after sweeping courts one and two simultaneously.

The rivalry intensified as the final three matches shifted into high gear. Tanjuatco was locked in a three-set battle at the No. 4 spot, while Jemima Williams-Phillips trailed by a set at No. 6. Meanwhile, Gabriella Barrera fought to maintain her narrow lead on court five, leaving the overall match hanging in the balance.

Toledo pulled ahead 3-2 after Guru defeated Tanjuatco in a three-set comeback at the No. 4 singles spot (0-6, 6-2, 6-1). The Rockets then secured the overall match victory by clinching the fourth point against BSU on court No. 6.

Barrera capped off Ball State's marathon match with a thrilling comeback, fighting through three sets to secure the win on court No. 5.

The Ball State women's tennis team will close out its regular season next weekend as the Cardinals travel to Northern Illinois on Friday for a 1 pm ET first serve. After that, Ball State will host rival Miami on Sunday at noon.