No. 9 Women’s Tennis Team Dominates South Carolina State with 4-0 Shutout in NCAA Championship Opening Round Victory
In a commanding display of talent and teamwork, the No. 9-ranked women’s tennis team swept past South Carolina State with a 4-0 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Championship. The one-sided affair served as a statement of intent as the nationally ranked squad moved one step closer to their goal of a deep tournament run. Played in front of an energetic home crowd, the match was a near-perfect outing for a team that has had its eyes set on national glory all season long.
From the first serve, the favored team showcased why they earned a top-10 national seeding. The doubles point was secured with swift authority. The No. 1 pairing, which has been solid throughout the spring campaign, wasted no time breaking serve and racing to a 6-2 win. Their mix of baseline power and net play coordination left South Carolina State little room to maneuver. On the other court, the No. 2 duo clinched the doubles point with another 6-2 win, delivering the early advantage with minimal resistance.
With the doubles point in hand, the focus quickly shifted to singles, where depth and consistency became the hallmark of the No. 9 seed’s dominance. At No. 1 singles, the team’s leader and top-ranked player made short work of her opponent. Her footwork, groundstroke consistency, and ability to dictate play off both wings were too much for South Carolina State’s No. 1, who struggled to find a foothold in the match. The straight-set win—delivered in just over 45 minutes—put the team ahead 2-0 and well on its way to victory.
Meanwhile, on court three, another strong performance from the host’s third-ranked singles player helped further tighten the grip on the match. With a display of clean hitting, composed shot selection, and a relentless return game, she cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win. Her ability to keep points short and punish second serves left her opponent scrambling and unable to string together a response. Her win marked the third point of the day, pushing the team within one of advancing.
The clincher came shortly after on court six, where the team’s depth shone once again. The freshman, playing in her first-ever NCAA Championship match, delivered a mature and clinical performance. Despite early nerves, she found rhythm midway through the first set and never looked back. Her opponent offered brief resistance, but the younger player’s consistency and cross-court angles kept rallies in her favor. She closed out the match 6-3, 6-1, securing the team’s fourth point and triggering a celebratory roar from the home bench.
The remaining matches on courts two, four, and five were left unfinished, in accordance with NCAA rules that halt play once the clinching fourth point is recorded. Still, each of those matches was trending positively for the No. 9 seed, further underscoring the comprehensive nature of the team’s dominance on the day. On court two, the No. 2 singles player led 6-2, 4-3, using her deft touch and powerful forehand to neutralize any attempted aggression. Court four saw the home team’s player ahead 6-3, 5-2, in full command of baseline exchanges. On court five, a 6-4 first set win and a 3-1 second set lead pointed to an eventual clean sweep had play continued.
The result marked yet another NCAA tournament opening-round win for the team, which has now advanced past the first round in each of the past ten seasons. It also extended their home winning streak in NCAA play to seven straight matches, dating back several years. The atmosphere on campus reflected the team’s strong performance. Fans, students, and alumni turned out in good numbers, bringing energy and support that was acknowledged by the coaching staff post-match.
Head coach [Name] praised the team’s focus and execution afterward, noting that every player understood the stakes and delivered accordingly. “We talk a lot about starting fast and setting the tone early, and I thought we did that really well today,” the coach said. “The doubles were sharp, and I loved how we kept the intensity through the singles. It’s not just about winning—it’s about how you win, and today was a great example of that.”
For the No. 9 team, the victory also comes with a degree of redemption and renewed hunger. After falling short of their expectations in last year’s tournament, the returning players entered this year’s draw with more experience and a refined sense of purpose. Several team members have elevated their games this season, with notable jumps in the national singles and doubles rankings. That improvement was on full display against South Carolina State.
The team’s top singles player, who is currently ranked inside the top 20 nationally, has emerged as both a leader and a reliable source of points at the top of the lineup. Her performance today added to a season-long record of dominating victories, including several wins over top-25 opponents. Her efficiency on court has become a tone-setter for the rest of the team. “When she plays like that, it energizes all of us,” said the team’s No. 4 singles player. “You look over and see her locked in, and it reminds you to raise your level too.”
Depth has also been a key ingredient for the team this year. With a lineup capable of winning at every position, the team hasn’t had to rely solely on its stars. Contributions from freshmen and sophomores, especially in the lower part of the order, have helped create the kind of balanced attack that championship-caliber squads require. The coach echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of development and readiness throughout the roster. “It’s not just about the top three. In this tournament, every position matters. You never know when you’ll need someone to step up and deliver, and I feel really good about everyone on our squad.”
South Carolina State, for its part, came into the match as a conference champion and perennial power in the MEAC. But the step up in competition proved too steep on this day. Still, the Bulldogs can take pride in another strong season and NCAA appearance, achievements that continue to elevate the program’s profile. Their players competed hard, and their sportsmanship was acknowledged by players and coaches alike from the winning side.
Looking ahead, the No. 9 seed will face a tougher challenge in the second round, as the tournament field intensifies. Their next opponent will likely be a top-25 team, one capable of posing real resistance. Preparation for that match began almost immediately, with players returning to light practice shortly after the post-match team meeting. The coaching staff emphasized recovery, adjustments based on match video, and situational drills to fine-tune ahead of Sunday’s contest.
There’s also a sense of unfinished business surrounding this group. The heartbreak of last year’s early exit still lingers for returning players, who have made it clear that this year’s goal is to make the final site and contend for the title. Their performance against South Carolina State suggests they have the talent, focus, and drive to do just that. The road won’t be easy, but with momentum on their side and a lineup firing on all cylinders, this team is positioned to make noise on the national stage.
As the tournament progresses, the No. 9 seed’s blend of senior leadership, youthful depth, and tactical discipline makes them a dangerous draw for any opponent. With their opening-round job complete, they now set their sights on the next test. One match down, five more to go—that’s the mindset as they chase collegiate tennis glory.
For fans and followers, today’s win served as the perfect launch to what could be a special postseason journey. The team delivered a performance worthy of its ranking and aspirations, showing that they’re ready for whatever comes next. The message was clear: they’re not just participating in this tournament—they’re here to win it.
