The Auburn women’s tennis team defeated Mississippi State 7-0 on March 26 at the Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, Alabama.
The win strengthens Auburn’s position in the Southeastern Conference standings and keeps their home record perfect this season. The victory also extends their winning streak against Mississippi State to six matches and improves their all-time series lead to 36-17.
Head coach Jordan Szabo said, “I thought we did a good job in the doubles. They’ve done pretty well in doubles this year, and we really responded after losing the last doubles point. We were able to build some leads on some courts early on. I was really impressed by Eva (Ionescu) getting the job done quickly out there. She’s just improved tremendously as a tennis player since she’s been here, and she’s starting to click.”
Szabo added, “I’m pleased that the girls found a way to win. We’ve been challenging players with finding ways to win regardless of who you are playing or how you’re feeling. I’m pleased with the win, but it’s time to rest up. Hopefully we can get a great crowd on Saturday for Alabama. We’re looking forward to taking them down in a big rivalry match.”
In doubles play, Ashton Bowers and Ekaterina Khairutdinova won decisively at No. 3 for their twentieth victory together this season while Angella Okutoyi and Merna Refaat came back from an early deficit at No. 2 doubles to clinch the opening point for Auburn.
Eva Ionescu secured an early singles win at No. 6 by defeating Athina Pitta 6-0, 6-3, improving her dual match singles record this season to nine wins and three losses overall, including two wins without loss in conference play.
Bowers clinched the team victory with her singles performance against Carolina Troiano while other Tigers followed with close wins across several courts.
Auburn now holds an overall record of twenty-five wins and two losses for the season—nine wins against one loss within conference play—and remains undefeated at home through sixteen matches.
Looking ahead, Auburn will host Alabama next Saturday for what is known as the Iron Bowl of Tennis.
