UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Villanova University women's tennis team opened its spring season with a 6–1 loss at Penn State on Sunday, January 18, at the Penn State Tennis Center.

The Nittany Lions set the tone early by claiming the doubles point, earning victories at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions.

Penn State carried that momentum into singles play, securing wins on courts one through four. Sophomore Olivia Corcoran competed in a tightly contested match at No. 1 singles, ultimately falling in two sets, 6–0, 7–6. Senior Maggie Gehrig came up short at No. 2 singles, dropping a 7–5, 6–2 decision. Freshman Alina Kornyeva battled through a hard-fought match at No. 5 singles, but was edged out 6–7 (7–2), 6–3.

Up Next: The 'Cats will stay on the road and take on Penn on Monday, January 19, at the Hamlin/Hecht Tennis Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

Singles competition
1. Maelie Monfils (PSU) def. Olivia Corcoran (VU) 6-0, 7-6 (7-2)
2. Maiko Uchijima (PSU) def. Maggie Gehrig (VU) 7-5, 6-2
3. Patricia Grigoras (PSU) def. Jenna Stevens (VU) 6-1, 6-3
4. Daciana Maria Ciubotaru (PSU) def. Lauren Monti (VU) 6-2, 6-2  
5. Olvia Dorner (PSU) def. Alina Kornyeva (VU) 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
6. Ansley Cox (PSU) def. Riley Cicero (VU) 6-0, 6-3
 
Doubles competition
1. Olivia Dorner/Maelie Monfils (PSU) def. Emily Callahan/Maggie Gehrig (VU) 6-1
2. Maiko Uchijima/Patricia Grigoras (PSU) vs Olivia Corcoran/Jenna Stevens (VU) 4-3, unfinished
3. Ansley Cox/Jordina Ramirez Cegarra (PSU) def Miriam Gondorova/Lauren Monti (VU) 6-0