News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team faced its first defeat of the spring season, falling 4-0 to the No. 7 ranked Michigan Wolverines at the ITA Kick-Off Weekend. Michigan dominated the match by securing the doubles point and winning all three completed singles matches. Prior to this match, Penn had a perfect record of 2-0 this spring. The significance of this event highlights its role as a qualifier for the ITA Division I National Team Indoor Championships.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Penn Women’s Tennis Suffers First Spring Loss to No. 7 Michigan at ITA Kick-Off
The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team experienced its first defeat of the spring season on Saturday morning, falling 4-0 to the No. 7 ranked Michigan Wolverines. The match took place at the Varsity Tennis Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of the opening round of the ITA Kick-Off Weekend.
Match Overview
The Wolverines secured an early advantage by winning the doubles point, followed by victories in three singles matches to clinch the overall win. Michigan showcased a dominant performance, sweeping Penn in both doubles and the completed singles contests.
Doubles Action
Michigan quickly established control in doubles play. The pairing of Reese Miller and Ava Bruno for Michigan defeated Penn’s Maya Urata and Liza Tkachenko with a score of 6-2 at the No. 3 position. Shortly after, Michigan’s Piper Charney and Gabriella Lindgren secured the doubles point by overcoming Lara Stojanovski and Sasha Morlagh of Penn, 6-3, at the No. 2 spot. The No. 1 doubles match, featuring No. 43 ranked Jessica Bernales and Lily Jones from Michigan against Penn’s Esha Velaga and Joleen Saw, was left unfinished with Michigan leading 5-3.
Singles Results
With the doubles point secured, Michigan continued its strong play in singles, winning three matches to reach the four points required for victory. No. 80 Reese Miller of Michigan earned a decisive 6-0, 6-0 win over Penn’s Liza Tkachenko at No. 4 singles. Following this, No. 32 Lily Jones from Michigan also delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-0 performance against Lara Stojanovski of Penn at the No. 2 singles position. The match was clinched when No. 3 Piper Charney of Michigan defeated Penn’s No. 89 Esha Velaga at No. 1 singles in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Other singles matches, including No. 3, No. 5, and No. 6, were abandoned once Michigan had secured the team victory.
Penn’s Spring Season Trajectory
Prior to this match, the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team had a perfect 2-0 record for the spring season. They commenced their 2026 spring campaign with a doubleheader on January 19, 2026, where they secured 4-0 shutout victories against both Villanova and Saint Joseph’s.
The Significance of the ITA Kick-Off Weekend
The ITA Kick-Off Weekend is a crucial event in collegiate tennis, serving as a direct qualifier for the prestigious ITA Division I National Team Indoor Championships. This year marks the 18th annual staging of the event, which runs from January 23-26, 2026, and is hosted at various locations across the nation. Fifty-six of the country’s top men’s and women’s tennis programs participate, competing in 14 regional tournaments, with the winner of each regional earning a coveted spot in the National Team Indoor Championship. Michigan served as one of these host sites.
Upcoming Matches
Following their opening match, the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team is scheduled to compete against either Notre Dame or No. 19 Vanderbilt on Sunday, January 25, as part of the second day of the ITA Kick-Off tournament. Michigan, with their victory, advances to face the winner of the Notre Dame and Vanderbilt match, aiming to secure their berth in the ITA National Team Indoor Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team play against Michigan?
The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team played against Michigan on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026.
What was the final score of the match between Penn and Michigan?
The final score of the match was 4-0 in favor of No. 7 Michigan.
Where did the match take place?
The match took place at the Varsity Tennis Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What is the significance of the ITA Kick-Off Weekend?
The ITA Kick-Off Weekend serves as a qualifying pathway to the ITA Division I National Team Indoor Championships.
What was Penn’s record before this match?
Before this match, the University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team had a 2-0 overall record for the spring season.
Who did Penn play in doubles?
In doubles, Penn’s Maya Urata and Liza Tkachenko played against Reese Miller and Ava Bruno, and Lara Stojanovski and Sasha Morlagh played against Piper Charney and Gabriella Lindgren. Esha Velaga and Joleen Saw’s match against Jessica Bernales and Lily Jones was abandoned.
Who did Penn play in singles?
In singles, Penn’s Esha Velaga played against Piper Charney, Lara Stojanovski played against Lily Jones, and Liza Tkachenko played against Reese Miller. Other singles matches involving Maya Urata, Joleen Saw, and Varsha Vedula were abandoned.
Key Features of the Penn vs. Michigan Match at ITA Kick-Off
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Location | Varsity Tennis Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Teams Competing | University of Pennsylvania vs. No. 7 Michigan |
| Final Score | Michigan 4, Penn 0 |
| Tournament | ITA Kick-Off Weekend |
| Outcome for Penn | First loss of the spring season |
| Significance of Tournament | Qualifying pathway for ITA Division I National Team Indoor Championships |
| Penn’s Next Match | Against Notre Dame or No. 19 Vanderbilt on Sunday, January 25 |
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