News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team secured a commanding victory over Drexel University with a 6-1 score in the highly anticipated ‘Battle of 33rd Street.’ The match saw Penn clinch the crucial doubles point early on and continue their dominance through singles play, marking their third win of the season. This performance not only highlights Penn’s strength in women’s tennis but also represents a notable rebound after a tough loss to Notre Dame. Drexel faced challenges as they strive to improve their season record.
PHILADELPHIA – Penn Women’s Tennis Dominates Drexel in ‘Battle of 33rd Street,’ Securing 6-1 Victory
The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team achieved its third win of the season on Saturday, January 30, 2026, decisively defeating its cross-city rival, Drexel University, with a commanding 6-1 score in the much-anticipated “Battle of 33rd Street.” This significant victory for the Quakers was secured through strong performances across both doubles and singles matches, marking a notable highlight in their early 2026 season.
Match Progression and Penn’s Performance
The Quakers set the tone early in the contest by clinching the crucial doubles point. This initial lead provided a strong foundation, allowing Penn to carry significant momentum into the subsequent singles matches. The team continued its impressive run in singles, securing victories in five out of the six individual contests. The final score of 6-1 reflects the comprehensive nature of Penn’s triumph, demonstrating their collective strength and strategic execution on their home courts in Philadelphia.
This win is a vital addition to Penn’s season record, contributing to their current standing with three victories. The team’s focused effort and coordinated play were evident throughout the match. This performance comes after the Quakers faced a tough challenge approximately seven days prior, where they fell to Notre Dame with a score of 4-0. The ability to rebound with such a dominant performance against Drexel underscores the team’s resilience and determination. Among Penn’s players, Esha Velaga was associated with events on January 31, 2026, and Motlagh was noted for participating in doubles at the Cissie Leary event on January 30, 2026, further indicating active participation from the roster during this period.
Drexel’s Season and Individual Highlights
For Drexel University, the “Battle of 33rd Street” match against Penn represents their second loss of the current season, bringing their overall record to 1-2. The Dragons’ season began with a 6-1 defeat to Fordham, followed by a 5-2 win over Saint Joseph’s, before this recent encounter with Penn. These early matches are crucial for teams to gauge their strengths and identify areas for improvement as the season progresses.
A particular highlight for Drexel coming into this match was the consistent performance of Anastasia Kavounov. She had achieved a perfect 2-0 record in singles play for the season, having secured victories in both of her previous individual matches. While individual achievements are important, the team collectively faced a formidable Penn squad on Saturday, ultimately unable to reverse the match’s tide despite their efforts.
The Drexel women’s tennis team has been actively competing this season, including hosting the Dragon Invitational, which concluded on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Their participation in such tournaments provides valuable competitive experience for the team members as they navigate their schedule.
The Enduring ‘Battle of 33rd Street’ Rivalry
The “Battle of 33rd Street” is a long-standing athletic rivalry that showcases the competitive spirit between two prominent Philadelphia universities situated along the same street. These matchups are always highly anticipated events on the local collegiate sports calendar, drawing attention to the talent and dedication of student-athletes from both institutions. The women’s tennis encounter on January 30, 2026, upheld this tradition, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry.
Penn’s decisive 6-1 victory not only secures bragging rights in this local contest but also provides a significant boost to their season’s trajectory. Such a comprehensive win can build team confidence and serve as a strong indicator of their potential for future success in upcoming competitions. The Quakers will aim to harness this momentum as they continue their collegiate tennis season.
Conversely, Drexel will use this experience as an opportunity for strategic review and development. Early season challenges, particularly against strong rivals, often highlight areas where teams can refine their tactics and enhance their performance. With many matches still ahead, the Dragons have ample opportunity to adjust and work towards their season goals. The competitive nature of this rivalry ensures that both teams will approach future encounters with renewed determination.
This latest chapter in the “Battle of 33rd Street” vividly demonstrated the University of Pennsylvania’s formidable presence in collegiate women’s tennis, marking a significant and well-earned victory in their 2026 campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team defeat Drexel?
A: The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team defeated Drexel University on Saturday, January 30, 2026.
Q: What was the score of the match between Penn and Drexel?
A: The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team defeated Drexel University with a commanding 6-1 score.
Q: What is Penn’s season record after this win?
A: After defeating Drexel, the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team secured its third victory of the season.
Q: What is Drexel’s season record after this match?
A: After the loss to Penn, Drexel University’s women’s tennis team has an overall record of 1-2.
Q: Who is Anastasia Kavounov?
A: Anastasia Kavounov is a player for Drexel University who entered the match against Penn with a perfect 2-0 record in singles play for the season.
Match Summary: Penn vs. Drexel Women’s Tennis
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match Date | Saturday, January 30, 2026 |
| Event Name | “Battle of 33rd Street” |
| Winning Team | University of Pennsylvania |
| Losing Team | Drexel University |
| Final Score | Penn 6-1 Drexel |
| Penn’s Season Record (after match) | 3 wins |
| Drexel’s Season Record (after match) | 1 win, 2 losses |
| Drexel Player Highlight | Anastasia Kavounov (2-0 singles record before match) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Penn Women’s Tennis Suffers First Spring Loss to No. 7 Michigan
Penn Men’s Tennis Kicks Off Spring Season with Navy Doubleheader
University of Pennsylvania Women’s Tennis Team Releases Schedule
Penn Men’s Tennis Team Reaches Historic Semifinal in NCAA Doubles Championships
Cornell Women’s Tennis Team Shines at Cissie Leary Invitational
Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pontiff Embraces Reform and Inclusivity
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
