The Valparaiso University tennis team kicked off their new season with a strong win over Huntington (Ind.), finishing 6-1 on a sunny Saturday at The Courts of Northwest Indiana. The match was pushed to the afternoon due to morning storms, but the weather cleared just in time.
Here’s how the match unfolded:
Doubles Success: The Beacons secured the doubles point, winning on the second and third courts. Freshman Alexandra Popa and sophomore Andrea Delgado dominated their match, overpowering their opponents 6-1. Teammates Lacey Tanner and Brynn Steven also prevailed with a 6-4 victory. Their top duo faced a tougher challenge but ended up losing 7-5.
Singles Highlights: Senior Madi Rogers had an impressive start, winning her singles match easily at No. 6 with a score of 6-1, 6-2. At No. 1, Silva captured the first set 6-3 and quickly took the second set 6-0. Delgado and Tanner both won their matches convincingly, while Popa’s journey was more intense—she triumphed in a tiebreak to win her match 6-3, 7-6(6).
Interestingly, the Beacons have now won their opening match for five consecutive years, showcasing a strong start each season. Popa, Delgado, and Rogers all made their debuts, each winning their singles match.
In terms of historical context, consistent starting performances like this can set the tone for a successful season. According to a survey from the NCAA, teams that start strong are often more likely to perform well throughout the season, which could be reflected in Valpo’s ongoing success.
The Beacons now look ahead to their next challenge at the Purdue Northwest Invite in Hammond, Ind. on September 20-21.
For more on collegiate tennis trends and performances, you can check out NCAA statistics.
