The University of Denver women’s tennis team wrapped up the Colorado Cup with impressive performances at Denver Tennis Park, clinching six victories on the final day of competition.
In doubles, three DU pairs won their matches, showcasing strong teamwork. Notably, freshmen Yunfei Cai and Ruby Hansen secured a 6-4 win against a duo from Colorado. Cai continued her success by winning her singles match against CU’s Heidi Crncan in straight sets.
Senior Claudia Martinez de Velasco bounced back from a slow start to win her match in two sets. Meanwhile, sophomore Natálie Cinková made a notable comeback, turning around a set down to minimize her opponent’s points in the final two sets.
The team’s next challenge will be the HEB Invite, hosted by Baylor, scheduled for November 7-9. This upcoming tournament will be a chance for the players to further develop their skills against diverse competition.
Match Results
Denver vs. Colorado
Doubles
- Alexin/van der Werff (CU) defeated Lambert/Wikander (DU): 7-6(10)
- Adkins/Becirovic Novak (DU) defeated Nelson/Rebec (CU): 7-5
- Brotman/Crncan (CU) defeated Cinková/Martinez de Velasco (DU): 6-3
- Cai/Hansen (DU) defeated Gretsch/Ikedo (CU): 6-4
Singles
- Rixt van der Werff (CU) defeated Louise Wikander (DU): 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
- Lera Alexin (CU) defeated Marley Lambert (DU): 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
- Pia Rebec (CU) defeated Zoe Adkins (DU): 6-1, 6-4
- Anya Nelson (CU) defeated Hana Becirovic Novak (DU): 6-3, 6-2
- Natálie Cinková (DU) defeated Lani Brotman (CU): 3-6, 6-1, 6-1
- Claudia Martinez de Velasco (DU) defeated Willow Gretsch (CU): 6-3, 6-2
- Yunfei Cai (DU) defeated Heidi Crncan (CU): 6-3, 7-6(5)
- Yukiko Ikedo (CU) defeated Ruby Hansen (DU): 6-4, 6-2
Tennis is more than just a game; recent studies show that college teams that collaborate and develop strong bonds often outperform their peers. This competition helps build not just athletic skills but also teamwork and resilience—qualities that last long after college.
As tennis continues to gain popularity, especially among college athletes, the Denver team is certainly contributing to a growing trend of excellence in women’s sports. Their performance at the Colorado Cup reflects not only their talent but also their dedication to the sport.
For more insights into college athletics and female empowerment in sports, check out this article from the NCAA.

















