Michigan State University
University of Iowa
Spartans Downed by No. 65 Iowa on Senior Day
4/21/2024 4:11:00 PM | Women's Tennis
EAST LANSING, Mich. – On the final day of the regular season, Michigan State women's tennis team pulls off a ranked victory on the doubles court but fell to No. 65-ranked Iowa 4-1, on Senior Day Sunday afternoon at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
The Spartans jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, led by the backs of junior Liisa Vehvilainen and senior Ayshe Can knocking off the Hawkeye's lone ITA ranked tandem, No. 81 Daianne Hayashida and Vipasha Mehra, 6-3, on the top court. The Green and White duo began the bout winning five of the six games holding a commanding, 5-1 lead. The Iowa pairing bounced back winning two straight matches, but a double fault was the deciding factor giving Vehvilainen and Can the upset victory.
On court three, graduate student Nicole Conard and sophomore Matilde Morais cruised to a 4-1 lead before being tested by the duo of Marisa Schmidt and Nikita Vishwase, losing two of the next three games. Conard and Morais were able to regroup and cap off the match with a 6-3 victory.
The Hawkeyes (11-11, 6-5 B1G) would rebound from losing the doubles point by sweeping singles competition, taking four courts on three, one, six and four in straight fashion.
Michigan State concluded the season with a 10-15 overall record and a 1-10 B1G mark with an even 7-7 record on its home courts.
The Spartans will now shift their focus to the Big Ten Championships on Wednesday, April 24 at Ann Arbor, Michigan.
POST MATCH QUOTES: HEAD COACH KIM BRUNO
On Ayshe Can and Lissa Vehvilainen connection to pull off the ranked victory…
They played quite a bit together last year and there was some success. They're capable of anything. With Liisa being so crafty and Ayshe being such a force at the net, they make a good tandem. I thought our energy was awesome throughout doubles. I just wished it could have carried over into singles as we got a little undisciplined.
On the young bright spots going into the conference championships and next season…
You have to keep plugging forward. We have to take something from this match, learn from it and go on to the next one. Even through the end, this group is still showing fight and caring. It's easy to throw in the towel and give up, this group hasn't done that.
On the senior class…
It's always an emotional time for coaches. My message to them is, there is always a spot back for them here at the Spartan family. I really appreciate each and every one of them for what they've brought to this program in their own unique ways. I couldn't be any more proud of them, they're going to accomplish unbelievable things.
On seeing Liisa Vehvilainen walking with Ayshe during the senior day ceremony…
That's her family. That's what it means to them. You go through so much in a season and you make certain bonds with certain players. They got to play doubles together today and they showed how much they care for each other. That was fun to see.
Team Stats
#1 Doubles Match
#2 Doubles Match
#3 Doubles Match
Order of Finish:
3,1
#1 Singles Match
#2 Singles Match
#3 Singles Match
#4 Singles Match
#5 Singles Match
#6 Singles Match
Order of Finish:
3,1,6,4
Players Mentioned
