GEORGETOWN, Texas — The Southwestern University women's tennis team opened its 2026 season on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over East Texas Baptist University, edging the Tigers in a tightly contested season opener.
Doubles play saw the teams split the three matches. ETBU claimed the No. 1 doubles point as Monique Ybarra and F. Ruiz Burkart outlasted Isa Cepeda and Daryl Locke, 7–6, 7–3. At No. 2 doubles, Kristyn Dunn and Jazmyne Ford-Schartner defeated Addison Powell and Kimberly Duncan, 6–4. Southwestern earned its lone doubles win at No. 3, where Katia Childs and Lilly Perkins cruised to a 6–0 victory over Isabella Macquet and Amelia Anding.
Trailing 2–1 heading into singles, the Pirates responded with strong performances across the lineup. Isa Cepeda evened the match at No. 2 singles with a dominant 6–2, 6–1 win over F. Ruiz Burkart. Kimberly Duncan followed with another straight-set victory at No. 3, defeating Isabella Macquet 6–0, 6–1.
ETBU regained the lead at No. 1 singles, as Monique Ybarra topped Daryl Locke 6–2, 6–2, and Kristyn Dunn added a straight-set win at No. 4 over Lilly Perkins, 6–4, 6–1.
The deciding momentum swung back in Southwestern's favor in the lower half of the lineup. At No. 5 singles, Katia Childs battled through three sets to defeat Jazmyne Ford-Schartner, 6–3, 4–6, 10–5. Addison Powell sealed the season-opening victory at No. 6 singles, rallying past Amelia Anding in a tough match, 6–0, 7–6(7).
With the win, the Pirates begin their spring campaign on a high note, showcasing depth and resilience in a closely contested opening match.
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