Michigan State University
Wolverine Invitational
Spartan Women’s Tennis Tabs Impressive Victories Over Weekend At Wolverine Invitational
10/12/2025 7:34:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MSU women’s tennis competes against talent from Eastern Michigan, Iowa, Miami, Michigan, Northwestern and Ohio State.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan State women's tennis tabbed a successful weekend in Ann Arbor competing in the Wolverine Invitational hosted by Michigan.
Six other schools also were in attendance in Ann Arbor to compete in the action, including Eastern Michigan, Iowa, Miami, Michigan, Northwestern and Ohio State.
During the first day of play, the Green & White dominated the courts. In doubles matches, the pairings of sophomore Ellie Blackford and junior Matilde Morais and sophomore Amara Brahmbhatt ad sophomore Nina Plihal both were victorious in their matches.
The Blackford/Morais duo competed against Nikia Vishwase/Emma Tothova of Iowa, claiming their victory in a 6-4 win.
Simultaneously, Brambhatt/Plihal secured their match against Regina Mendez/Pehal Kharadkar of Eastern Michigan, 6-2.
Following the Friday doubles matches, singles matches secured the Spartan sweep for the day.
Blackford slated a 6-1, 6-0 win against Eastern Michigan's Pehal Kharadkar. Also facing an Eastern Michigan opponent was Matilde Morais, who tabbed a 7-5, 6-1 victory against Sabrina Tolstova. Topping off the victories against EMU for MSU was Nina Plihal, who won 7-5, 6-4 against Matilde Parreira.
Brahmbhatt was the only Spartan to face a Big Ten foe in singles action on Friday, taking on Michigan's Ava Bruno. Brahmbhatt secured the win in her singles match 6-2, 6-3 against Bruno.
The Wolverine Invitational continued Saturday with another round of doubles and singles matches.
The Spartans struggled, only nabbing one victory throughout the whole day.
Doubles pairings switched up during day two, with Blackford/Plihal and Brahmbhatt/Morais taking to the courts.
Blackford/Plihal faced off against the talented Michigan tandem of Ava Bruno/Emily Sartz-Lunde, dropping the match 6-1 against the Wolverines.
Brahmbhatt/Morais also faced off against a Wolverine pairing, competing against Laura Maser/Bayley Sheinin, ultimately falling in a 6-3 deficit.
Hardship followed the Green & White through singles matches, with only Ellie Blackford securing a victory for herself.
Morais faced Michigan's Jessica Bernales, falling 6-2, 6-4.
Amara Brahmbhatt fought hard against her opponent, dropping her match against Raquel Gonzalez of Miami 6-3, 6-4.
Blackford held strong, defeating Jacquelyn Ogunwale of Miami in just two sets, 6-4, 6-4.
Closing out the day was Nina Plihal against yet another Wolverine, Laura Maser, falling in a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 battle.
Sunday marked the final day of the Wolverine Invitational in Ann Arbor.
It was another day of taxing matches for the Green & White.
The Spartans returned to the original doubles pairings of Blackford/Plihal and Brahmbhatt/Morais for the competition.
Both MSU tandems faced off against rivals from Michigan. Blackford/Plihal were defeated by Jessica Bernales/Lily Jones, 6-1, while Brahmbhatt/Morais were conquered in a close match to Emily Sartz-Lunde/Laura Rahnel, 6-4.
Singles matches followed, continuing the Green & White's strenuous battle for victory.
Brahmbhatt was first to fall against Michigan's Piper Charney, who ended last season ranked No. 17 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Brahmbhatt put up a tough context, ultimately falling 6-0, 6-1.
Blackford followed suit, valiantly battling last season's ITA No. 48 ranked Lily Jones, dropping the match, 6-4, 6-4.
In yet another contest against a Wolverine opponent, Morais fell to last season's ITA No. 55 ranked Emily Sartz-Lunde 6-2, 3-6, 6-0.
Closing out the tournament was Plihal, who dropped her match against Michigan's Laura Rahnel, 6-3, 6-0.
The Spartans are set to compete in the ITA Midwest Regional Championships in Champaign, Ill., from Thursday-Monday, Oct. 16-20.
Keep up to date with the Spartan women's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by following @MSU_WTennis.
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