Marina
The Emporia State women’s tennis team has officially secured a spot in the upcoming Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Tournament after delivering a powerful 7-0 sweep against Arkansas-Fort Smith on Friday, April 25, 2025.
This win showcases the Hornets’ resilience, talent, and drive as they now prepare to compete among the conference’s best at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Missouri.
Dominating Doubles Play: Setting the Tone Early
The Hornet women started Friday’s match with an impressive show in doubles:
- No. 2 Doubles:
Lilie Bizouerne and Perla Conde dominated the court with a clean 6-0 sweep, giving Emporia State an early advantage. - No. 1 Doubles:
Despite a setback, Emporia State fell short with a 3-6 loss. - No. 3 Doubles:
Anastasia Pesic and Sheriden Wichman clinched the crucial doubles point for the Hornets with a competitive 6-4 win.
Winning two out of three matches in doubles secured the first overall point for Emporia State, setting the momentum firmly in their favor heading into singles competition.
Sweeping Singles Matches in Style
Emporia State was unstoppable in singles, winning all six matches in straight sets:
- No. 6 Singles:
Paige Stranghoner set the tone with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory, putting the Hornets quickly up 2-0. - No. 5 Singles:
Anastasia Pesic continued the dominance with a 6-2, 6-2 win. - No. 1 Singles:
Giovanna Ferreira clinched the overall match for Emporia State with an emphatic 6-3, 6-2 triumph. - No. 2 Singles:
Yuliya Klimova finished strong with a 6-2, 6-1 win. - No. 3 Singles:
Perla Conde remained consistent, posting a 6-2, 6-3 victory. - No. 4 Singles:
Lilie Bizouerne closed out the day with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 win, finalizing the 7-0 sweep.
The Hornets demonstrated depth and resilience across the lineup, an encouraging sign ahead of postseason play.
Match Summary
| Match Segment | Players | Result |
|---|---|---|
| No. 2 Doubles | Bizouerne / Conde | 6-0 Win |
| No. 1 Doubles | Stranghoner / Santiago | 3-6 Loss |
| No. 3 Doubles | Pesic / Wichman | 6-4 Win |
| No. 6 Singles | Stranghoner | 6-0, 6-0 Win |
| No. 5 Singles | Pesic | 6-2, 6-2 Win |
| No. 1 Singles | Ferreira | 6-3, 6-2 Win |
| No. 2 Singles | Klimova | 6-2, 6-1 Win |
| No. 3 Singles | Conde | 6-2, 6-3 Win |
| No. 4 Singles | Bizouerne | 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 Win |
Season Overview: Momentum at the Right Time
Emporia State’s women’s tennis team heads into the postseason with strong momentum:
- Overall Record: 9-9
- MIAA Conference Record: 4-4
- Key Highlights:
- Five wins at home
- Several straight-set victories throughout the season
- Rising stars contributing significantly in both singles and doubles
Key players such as Paige Stranghoner, Anastasia Pesic, Perla Conde, and Giovanna Ferreira have consistently contributed crucial points, establishing Emporia State as a dangerous opponent for any team entering the MIAA Tournament.
Next Stop: MIAA Tournament at Cooper Tennis Complex
The Hornets will now set their sights on the MIAA Tournament, scheduled for May 2–4, 2025, at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Missouri.
With their dominant finish to the regular season, Emporia State looks poised to make a deep run. The team’s balanced roster, experienced leadership, and recent performances suggest that they are more than capable of competing with the conference’s elite.
A Team Peaking at the Perfect Moment
The 7-0 sweep over Arkansas-Fort Smith not only secured Emporia State’s place in the MIAA Tournament but also served as a statement to the rest of the conference.
With impressive depth across the lineup and players delivering under pressure, the Hornets are entering postseason play with confidence and high expectations.
Emporia State women’s tennis is peaking at exactly the right time — and they’re ready to make some noise in Springfield.