Lakers Top Spartans in Non-Conference Meeting

Victoria Sanchez
Victoria Sanchez
March 4, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa tennis team returned home to face Grand Valley State in a non-conference matchup at the Naimoli and Young Complex. Despite strong performances in both singles and doubles play, the Spartans fell short in a 5-2 decision.

Final: Grand Valley State 5, No. 22 University of Tampa 2

Location: Naimoli and Young Complex | Tampa, Fla.

Records: No. 22 Tampa (1-5), Grand Valley State (6-2)

History: This was the first meeting between the two programs.

How it Happened

The match opened with doubles play, where the Lakers took two of the three matches to claim the first point of the day. The Spartans found success in the No. 3 doubles pairing, as Ida Axelsson and Linn Eriksson Sundling secured a 6-4 victory. However, Grand Valley State was able to take the other two doubles matches, gaining the early edge.

In singles competition, Victoria Sanchez and Ida Axelsson led the way for Tampa, each earning straight-set victories at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. Sanchez controlled her match from start to finish, while Axelsson delivered a strong performance to close out a competitive second set. Sophia Gutkowski put up a fight at No. 3 singles, pushing the second set to the brink before ultimately falling 7-5. Despite their efforts, the Spartans were unable to close the gap as Grand Valley State claimed four of the six singles matches to secure the overall victory.

Doubles Results

  1. Vale Mozas/Neus Ramos (GVSU) def. Sophia Gutkowski/Victoria Sanchez (UT) 6-3
  2. Estefania Hernandez/Rachel Sam (GVSU) def. Nicole Casas/Alexandra Chebli (UT) 6-2
  3. Ida Axelsson/Linn Eriksson Sundling (UT) def. Kalomoira Ralli/Anna Soteras (GVSU) 6-4

Singles Results

  1. Victoria Sanchez (UT) def. Neus Ramos (GVSU) 6-3, 6-4
  2. Ida Axelsson (UT) def. Vale Mozas (GVSU) 7-5, 6-4
  3. Anna Soteras (GVSU) def. Sophia Gutkowski (UT) 6-1, 7-5
  4. Estefania Hernandez (GVSU) def. Alexandra Chebli (UT) 6-0, 6-0
  5. Ipek Sakiroglu (GVSU) def. Linn Eriksson Sundling (UT) 6-3, 6-0
  6. Kalomoira Ralli (GVSU) def. Sophie Wagner (UT) 6-4, 6-4