Memphis Women's Tennis Falls to ETSU in Close Match

Tigers battle but come up short 4-2 in Lynchburg, Virginia

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The University of Memphis women's tennis team fell to East Tennessee State University 4-2 on Saturday afternoon in Lynchburg, Virginia. The match came down to the wire in doubles play, with Memphis clinching the doubles point, but ETSU fought back to win five of the six singles matches and secure the overall victory.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season matchup for the Memphis Tigers as they look to build momentum and improve on their 2-10 record so far this season. The close nature of the match, with Memphis winning the doubles point but struggling in singles, highlights the competitiveness of the program and the work they need to do to compete at the highest levels of college tennis.

The details

In doubles play, Memphis' pair of Sofiia Mykhailets and Emma Dvorackova won 6-2 on court one, while Alicia Mall and Clemence Thouard prevailed in a tiebreaker 7-6(4) on court three to clinch the doubles point for the Tigers. However, ETSU fought back in singles, winning five of the six first sets. Natalia Koppova retired on court three, Mariangel Estrella defeated Marina Lubsheva 6-1, 6-0 on court six, and Emma Dvorackova fell 6-1, 6-1 on court four to give ETSU a 3-1 lead. Sofiia Mykhailets won 6-2, 6-1 on court one for Memphis, but ETSU clinched the match on court five when Niyati Kukreti defeated Rebecca Frant 6-4, 6-3.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Memphis will be back in action on Sunday, March 8, 2026 against Liberty at 12 p.m. in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The players

Sofiia Mykhailets

A member of the Memphis women's tennis team who won her singles match 6-2, 6-1 on court one.

Emma Dvorackova

A member of the Memphis women's tennis team who won her doubles match 6-2 on court one with partner Sofiia Mykhailets.

Natalia Koppova

A member of the Memphis women's tennis team who retired from her singles match on court three.

Rebecca Frant

A member of the Memphis women's tennis team who lost her singles match 6-4, 6-3 on court five.

East Tennessee State University

The opposing team that defeated Memphis 4-2 in the match.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Memphis Tigers will look to bounce back on Sunday, March 8, 2026 when they take on Liberty at 12 p.m. in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The takeaway

Despite the close loss, this match highlights the competitiveness of the Memphis women's tennis program and their ability to battle against tough opponents like ETSU. The Tigers will look to use this experience to continue improving and competing at a high level as the season progresses.