Women's tennis splits opening weekend

The spring tennis season is officially underway for the Troy women’s tennis team following its debut matches against UNF and Stetson. The Trojans split the weekend series by dropping the first match 4-3 but bounced back the following day claiming victory, 4-3.  

Troy’s nail-biting victory over Stetson served as their first of the season. After taking the doubles point, the Trojans were pushed into a “game seven” scenario with Sama Hindawy taking the court against Stetson’s Clelia Lombardi. Lombardi took set one 6-4, and Hindawy fought back taking set two, 7-5 – Hindawy stood tall and stole set three 6-2.  

The Trojans took the doubles point in convincing fashion. Troy’s first victory came via Leena Metwally and Alexia Zarate uniting to conquer Clelia Lombardi and Yuki Mizuguchi of Stetson, 6-2. With the doubles point on the line, Hiba Heni and Emilia Namyslo to take down the Stetson duo of Astigarraga Harper and Dana Baidaulet, 6-3. 

Troy Athletics photo

Vallerilla Avdeeva slices a shot during a 2025 fall tournament.

Metwally had a stellar outing for the Trojans. After teaming with Zarate, she carried this into singles play where she toppled Dana Baidaulet in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. 

This is a stark contrast for the Trojans, as they fell in a similar situation to UNF.  

Troy dropped the doubles point to the Ospreys but fought back to even the score going into Hiba Heni’s match against Anslee Long. Long took the first set 7-5, and Heni took set two 7-6 – set three ended 6-3 in favor of UNF. 

Troy claimed three straight victories to level the playing field entering the final singles match. A catalyst for this was Maria Guirguis’ three-set victory over Laurie Barendse.

Barendse took set one 7-6, leading Guirguis to take set two, 6-3. In set three, Guirguis overpowered Barendse, 7-5. 

Avdeeva and Metwally also earned key victories for the Trojans. Avdeeva beat Aryanna Barlett in straight sets, 6-2 in both sets. Metwally followed suit by conquering May Fadida also in straight sets, 6-4 in sets one and two.  

Troy looks to build on this weekend’s performance in its next home tilt. The Trojans will be making their home debut against Bethel on Friday, Jan. 30 – with the action begining at 11 a.m. Then Troy will be taking the court again at 1 p.m. the next day to welcome Alabama A&M to the Lunsford Tennis Complex.