CAYCE, S.C. – On Friday afternoon, the DePaul women’s tennis team delivered an impressive performance, defeating Creighton 4-0. This clean victory marked DePaul’s quickest match of the season, ending in just two hours. The Blue Demons didn’t lose a single set, showcasing their dominance right from the start.
The match began with strong doubles play. The No. 1 duo, Hannah Smith and Clara Nilsson, clinched their match 6-3. Shortly after, Eleanor Cochran and Sasha Stula won at No. 2 (6-4), while Roberta Sechi and Helin Alvarez did the same at No. 3, also finishing 6-4. With the doubles point secured, DePaul’s confidence soared.
In singles matches, DePaul continued their winning streak. Yasemin Pehlivan, a talented freshman from Turkey, won decisively on court No. 3 with a score of 6-1, 6-1. Another freshman, Nilsson, followed suit, winning 6-3, 6-0 on court No. 5.
The match came to a close when senior Hannah Smith sealed the victory with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win. This match was particularly memorable for Smith as it was her last BIG EAST Championships. Before the match, DePaul had met Creighton earlier in the season, securing a 7-0 win.
Looking ahead, DePaul will face St. John’s in the BIG EAST semifinals on April 18. During their last meeting in March, DePaul triumphed 5-2.
Recent trends show that collegiate tennis is gaining popularity, with increased attendance at matches and a growth in fan engagement on social media. The enthusiasm around athletics, particularly women’s sports, continues to rise, reflecting a broader shift in society’s recognition of women’s accomplishments in athletics.
In summary, DePaul women’s tennis not only showcased their skills on the court but also spoke to a growing celebration of women in sports. Their upcoming semifinal match promises to be exciting as they aim for further success in the tournament.
Final Results
DePaul 4, Creighton 0
April 17, 2026
Cayce Tennis & Fitness Center – Cayce, S.C.
Doubles
- Clara Nilsson/Hannah Smith (DEP) def. Ana Paula Martinez/Sophie Schwartz (CRE) 6-3
- Eleanor Cochran/Sasha Stula (DEP) def. Alem Cote/Annika Elvestrom (CRE) 6-4
- Roberta Sechi/Helin Alvarez (DEP) def. Olivia Minikel/Teresa Tran (CRE) 6-4
Singles
- Sasha Stula (DEP) vs. Sophie Schwartz (CRE) 6-3, 2-3 unf.
- Hannah Smith (DEP) def. Ana Paula Martinez (CRE) 6-2, 6-2
- Yasemin Pehlivan (DEP) def. Teresa Tran (CRE) 6-1, 6-1
- Roberta Sechi (DEP) vs. Annika Elvestrom (CRE) 6-4, 1-0 unf.
- Clara Nilsson (DEP) def. Alem Cote (CRE) 6-3, 6-0
- Helin Alvarez (DEP) vs. Livia Rodrigues Daud (CRE) 6-3, 3-2 unf.
Order of Finish
Doubles: 1-2-3
Singles: 3-5-2
UP NEXT
DePaul plays St. John’s in the BIG EAST semifinals on April 18 at 12 p.m. CT.
