Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
Spartan Women’s Tennis to Host Two In-State Competitors for Opening Weekend
1/29/2026 4:56:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MSU to welcome Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan in season-opener.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State women's tennis returns to East Lansing for its first set of home matches at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. to face off against the Western Michigan Broncos and at 2 p.m. to compete against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
This serves as the Spartans' first dual match of the spring season, after missing the ITA Kickoff due to inclement weather.
The Spartans look forward to the 2026 season after having a highly successful 2024-25 season, slating a 13-12 overall record and notching a remarkable 9-3 home record. Notably, the Green & White upset four Big Ten opponents during the in-conference season, a season high for the team.
During the offseason, the Spartans added two competitive new additions to the team, with sophomore Nina Plihal and freshman Anna Maria Tottrup committing to MSU
The fall portion of the season showed promise for the Spartans, with various tournaments showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of the Green & White.
Sophomore Amara Brahmbhatt earned herself an ITA singles ranking of 102, while the sophomore/senior pairing of Ellie Blackford/Matilde Morais earned themselves a doubles ranking of 82 during the preseason.
Scouting Western Michigan
The Broncos began their dual match season on January 16 against Chicago State on their home court. Since their first match of the season, WMU has slated a 3-1 record, winning against Chicago State, Illinois State and Grand Valley State and dropped their only match against Notre Dame.
Western Michigan will travel to DeKalb, Illinois on Saturday, Jan. 31 to meet the Minnesota Golden Gophers and will then travel back to East Lansing to face the Spartans on Sunday.
Series History vs. Western Michigan
Since the 2006-07 season, the Michigan State Spartans have earned themselves a 9-4 record against the Broncos, holding a 9-0 win streak over the last nine matches.
During the previous season, the Green & White allowed only one point against them, obtaining a 4-1 win in their premiere doubleheader of the season, dropping the double point yet coming back to win four singles matches to clinch the win in the Spartans' favor.
This is now the third consecutive season the Spartans have faced the Broncos in their home territory of East Lansing.
Scouting Eastern Michigan
The Eagles have had a perfect start to their season, obtaining a 5-0 record despite some trialing road matches. Four out of the five matches have been on the road, showcasing the competitive spirit of EMU.
Before traveling to East Lansing, the Eagles will host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Series History vs. Michigan State
Michigan State currently holds an 18-4 overall record against Eastern Michigan since the 1999-2000 season.
The Spartans have gone undefeated for 21 years against the Eagles, notably sweeping the team 4-0 last season. Spartans Issey Purser, Hanna Tsitavets and Ellie Blackford were those who claimed the match in the Spartans' favor, winning their singles matches in straight sets.
Up Next
Spartan women's tennis will have another weekend to host Xavier, Gonzaga and Ball State.
Xavier will compete against MSU on Friday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, kicking off the women's and men's doubleheader, where the Spartan men's tennis team will then commence their home season against Tennessee at 6:30 p.m.
Another doubleheader for the Green and White begins Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. against Gonzaga and will continue at 2 p.m. against Ball State.
Fans can follow @msu_wtennis on Instagram, X and Facebook to keep up to date with the latest Michigan State women's tennis news.
.png&width=84&height=84&quality=100&type=webp)
Players Mentioned
