Women's tennis falls short in conference quarterfinal round

After going 12-7 during the regular season and 6-1 in Sun Belt Conference play, the No. 3-seeded Troy women’s tennis team fell to No. 6-seeded App State in the quarterfinal round of the Sun Belt Tournament to end the season. One of the many highlights of the season for the Trojans was their 5-0 start against conference opponents. Doubles play began with Savannah Dada-Mascoll and Ruby Broadbent defeating Troy’s senior duo of Valeriia Avdeeva and Maria Guirguis, 6-1 – the duo ended their senior season 11-4 on court one. This was followed by Naledi Manyube teaming with Taya Powell to take down Veena Nazar and Alexia Zarate, also by a score of 6-1. The Trojans ultimately dropped the doubles point to begin the day, but the duo of Hiba Heni and Leena Metwally were leading their match against Sreenidhi Balaji and Allegra Hodson, 5-3.

In singles play, App State’s momentum continued with Broadbent conquering Heni in straight sets, 6-3 in both. On court one, Guirguis fell to Dada-Mascoll, 6-4 followed by 7-5. Avdeeva was the first Trojan to claim victory as she defeated Taya Powell in straight sets, 6-3 in both sets.

On court 6, Sama Hindawy also claimed victory by outdueling Lexi Cleveland, 6-4 followed by 6-2. The door was officially closed on the Trojans when Allegra Hodson outlasted Zarate in a three-set duel. Zarate came out strong and took set one 3-6, but was overpowered in the subsequent sets, 6-1, 6-4.

After dropping set one, Metwally fought back to take the lead in her match against Sreenidhi Balaji before the match was abandoned, 0-6, 7-5, 6-5. Metwally ends the season boasting a 11-2 record, with nine of her wins coming from the No. 3 position.

The Trojans 12 victories leave them one short of 2024-25’s 13-win season, but their six conference wins tie last season’s mark. Additionally, Troy has secured double-digit wins in every season dating back to 2020-21. During the regular season, the Trojans sustained several winning streaks – their longest streak reached seven matches, including a 4-1 victory over then-No. 69 South Alabama.