Michigan State University Athletics
Saturday, September 19
Cary, N.C.
All Day
Michigan State University
vs
ITA All-American Pre-Qualifying
Photo by: Rey Del Rio/MSU Athletic Communications
Spartan Duo Wraps Up Play In Fall Opening Action
9/21/2026 3:21:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford wrap up play in pre-qualifier of ITA All-American Championship
CARY, N.C. -- Michigan State women's tennis rounded out their weekend at the ITA All-American Championships in Cary, North Carolina with hard-fought, competitive exits from the Spartan duo of juniors Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford, who partook in the tournament.
Play kicked off on Saturday, September 19, with Brahmbhatt and Blackford both putting up fierce battles in their matches of the Pre-Qualifying rounds of the ITA All-American Championships.
Blackford faced off against California Berkeley's Nika Hurkacz. The Spartan ultimately fell to the Golden Bear, putting up a valiant battle, but ultimately falling, 7-6, (7-3), 6-1.
Following her singles match, Blackford teamed up with Brahmbhatt in doubles to take on Mississippi State's Gianna Oboniye and Athina Pitta. The Spartans were defeated in the end with game scores of 6-1, 6-4.
On the following day, Sunday, September 20, Blackford competed against Shona Nakano of UNC Charlotte. In another tightly-contested battle, Blackford dropped the match against the Niner, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Later that day, Blackford joined Brahmbhatt for another doubles match. The two took on Georgia's Ava Rodreguiz and Nadia Lagaev. With a hard fight from the Spartans, the Bulldogs took the match 4-6, 6-3, (10-7).
With both Spartans concluding action, they returned to East Lansing to prepare for the Spartan Invite, presented by Auto-Owner's Insurance on Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, that will be played at the MSU Outdoor Tennis Courts.
The fall schedule continues with the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, Michigan State Classic, presented by Auto-Owners Insurance on Nov. 6-9, and the NCAA Sectional Championships.
The NCAA Individual Championships round out the 2026 fall tournament schedule from November 17-22 in Athens, Georgia, before the Spartans prepare for their spring dual action schedule, which is to be announced later.
Fans can keep up to date with the Spartan women's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by following @MSU_WTennis.
Tennis Match Results
ITA All-American Championships
Sept 19-20, 2025 at Cary, N.C.
Pre-Qualifying Round - Saturday, Sept 19
Nika Hurkacz (Cal Berkeley) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU) 7-6, 6-1
Gianna Oboniye and Athina Pitta (Mississippi State) def. Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford (MSU) 6-1, 6-4
Pre-Qualifying Round - Sunday, Sept 20
Shona Nakano (UNC Charlotte) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU) 7-6, 6-1
Ava Rodreguiz and Nadia Lagaev (Georgia) def. Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford (MSU) 6-4, 6-3, (10-7)
Play kicked off on Saturday, September 19, with Brahmbhatt and Blackford both putting up fierce battles in their matches of the Pre-Qualifying rounds of the ITA All-American Championships.
Blackford faced off against California Berkeley's Nika Hurkacz. The Spartan ultimately fell to the Golden Bear, putting up a valiant battle, but ultimately falling, 7-6, (7-3), 6-1.
Following her singles match, Blackford teamed up with Brahmbhatt in doubles to take on Mississippi State's Gianna Oboniye and Athina Pitta. The Spartans were defeated in the end with game scores of 6-1, 6-4.
On the following day, Sunday, September 20, Blackford competed against Shona Nakano of UNC Charlotte. In another tightly-contested battle, Blackford dropped the match against the Niner, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Later that day, Blackford joined Brahmbhatt for another doubles match. The two took on Georgia's Ava Rodreguiz and Nadia Lagaev. With a hard fight from the Spartans, the Bulldogs took the match 4-6, 6-3, (10-7).
With both Spartans concluding action, they returned to East Lansing to prepare for the Spartan Invite, presented by Auto-Owner's Insurance on Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, that will be played at the MSU Outdoor Tennis Courts.
The fall schedule continues with the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, Michigan State Classic, presented by Auto-Owners Insurance on Nov. 6-9, and the NCAA Sectional Championships.
The NCAA Individual Championships round out the 2026 fall tournament schedule from November 17-22 in Athens, Georgia, before the Spartans prepare for their spring dual action schedule, which is to be announced later.
Fans can keep up to date with the Spartan women's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by following @MSU_WTennis.
Tennis Match Results
ITA All-American Championships
Sept 19-20, 2025 at Cary, N.C.
Pre-Qualifying Round - Saturday, Sept 19
Nika Hurkacz (Cal Berkeley) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU) 7-6, 6-1
Gianna Oboniye and Athina Pitta (Mississippi State) def. Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford (MSU) 6-1, 6-4
Pre-Qualifying Round - Sunday, Sept 20
Shona Nakano (UNC Charlotte) def. Ellie Blackford (MSU) 7-6, 6-1
Ava Rodreguiz and Nadia Lagaev (Georgia) def. Amara Brahmbhatt and Ellie Blackford (MSU) 6-4, 6-3, (10-7)
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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