ORLANDO / ALTAMONTE SPRINGS / KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Davenport University women's tennis team wrapped up a busy five-match stretch during its Florida trip, earning two victories while facing several strong opponents across multiple venues. The Panthers opened the week with a dominant sweep of Southern New Hampshire and followed with a win over St. Bonaventure before dropping three consecutive matches to No. 4 NAIA Southeastern (Fla.), No. 1 NCAA Division II Barry and NCAA Division I North Carolina A&T.

Strong Start Against Southern New Hampshire

Davenport began the week in commanding fashion on March 1 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, defeating Southern New Hampshire 7-0. The Panthers controlled doubles play early, with Skye Vandeleur and Sienna Opray setting the tone at No. 1 doubles with a 6-0 victory. The teams of Maja Sandstrom and Addison Lind (No. 2) and Amy Bloch and Lotte Federski (No. 3) also secured wins to give Davenport the doubles sweep.

The momentum continued in singles play as the Panthers captured all six matches. Vandeleur earned a straight-set win at No. 1 singles by scores of 6-3, 6-3 over Dajana Abadzic, while Bloch, Opray, Sandstrom and Federski all added victories in convincing fashion. Lind rounded out the lineup with a three-set win at No. 6 singles (5-7, 6-4, 10-2), completing the Panthers' clean sweep of the Penmen and improving to 10-1 overall.

Panthers Edge NCAA DI St. Bonaventure

Davenport returned to the court the following day against St. Bonaventure and secured a 5-2 victory. The Panthers claimed two of the three doubles matches, with Sandstrom and Lind winning 7-5 at No. 2 doubles and Bloch and Federski taking a 7-5 decision at No. 3.

In singles play, Davenport collected four victories to clinch the match. Vandeleur picked up a strong 6-1, 7-5 win at the top spot versus Sara Montano, while Opray, Federski, and Lind each added singles victories. Lind's 6-3, 6-0 performance at No. 6 singles against Kelly Barnes helped seal the Panthers' second win of the trip.

Tough Match Against Southeastern (Fla.)

On March 3, Davenport faced No. 4 NAIA Southeastern (Fla.) in Altamonte Springs and ran into a strong Fire lineup that claimed a 7-0 victory. Southeastern took all three doubles matches before securing six singles wins to complete the sweep.

Despite the final score, several matches proved competitive. Vandeleur went to three sets at No. 1 singles against Isabella Bolivar before falling by scores of 6-0, 6-7, 7-4. Opray also went the distance at No. 3 singles against Alessia Ciampi by scores of 3-6, 7-6, 10-5. Sandstrom at No. 4 won the opening set 7-5, but narrowly fell 7-6, 10-8 in the final two sets.

Davenport continued its challenging schedule on March 4 with a matchup against top-ranked Barry. The Buccaneers jumped ahead early by sweeping the doubles point and surrended just five games in those three doubles matches. Barry ultimately secured the match 4-0 after wins at the No. 1, No. 5 and No. 6 singles positions, while several other matches remained unfinished.

Final Match Against North Carolina A&T

The Panthers concluded the trip on March 5 in Kissimmee against North Carolina A&T. Davenport dropped the doubles point, but did get a victory at No. 2 with Sandstrom and Lind teaming up for a 6-4 triumph over Tabeth Tadoum and Randy Rakotoarilala.

In singles play, Davenport earned two wins. Sandstrom at No. 4 defeated Dorsa Cheraghi by scores of 4-6, 6-3, 10-3. Federski at No. 5 needed three sets but triumphed over Tadoum (6-3, 1-6, 10-6).

Looking Ahead

The five-match stretch provided valuable experience for the Panthers as they faced a mix of regional and nationally-ranked competition during their Florida trip. Davenport demonstrated depth across its lineup with multiple doubles victories and strong singles performances throughout the week as the team continues its progression. The Panthers (11-4) will get some much-needed rest back home in Michigan and will face Purdue Northwest on Friday, Mar. 13 to open Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.