The Toledo women’s tennis team defeated Bowling Green at the Perrysburg Tennis Center in the Battle of I-75 presented by Cooper Tires Sunday afternoon by a 7-0 decision. The victory was the 11th straight for the Rockets, improving their overall record to 19-3 and a perfect 10-0 in regular season conference play.
Sunday’s win over the Falcons clinched the outright regular-season MAC title for the Rockets. The Rockets had previously clinched a share of the MAC title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAC Championship Tournament with their win over Buffalo on Friday. This also marks the first MAC title in program history and sets a school record for wins at 19, breaking last year’s record of 18 victories.
Toledo women’s tennis team’s victory was their 11th straight, improving their overall record to 19-3 and a perfect 10-0 in regular season conference play.
“I’m so incredibly proud of this team,” said Head Coach Tracy Mauntler. “Friday was an extremely emotional day and so to be able to come out today with the same level of intensity that we’ve had all season is impressive. This team still continues to improve every time they step on the court. We are right where we need to be heading into the MAC tourney.”
Toledo started the match off by clinching the doubles team point in just under 20 minutes. Sanjana Tallamraju and Julia Kuszynski struck first from the No. 2 doubles spot. Cassie Alcala and Laura Morera followed only a minute after, with neither duo dropping a single set. Sloane Teske and Mariona Perez were leading 4-1 before going unfinished at the No. 1 court.
Toledo remained perfect in singles play, winning five of the six matches in just two sets. Shalini Tallamraju kicked things off from the No. 3 court, winning both of her sets 6-0. Kuszynski followed from the No. 6 court, and Teske clinched the match for the Rockets from the No. 2 court. Perez and Sanjana Tallamraju defended the No. 4 and 5 courts. Lastly, Alcala won in a third set super tiebreak from the No. 1 court, scoring Toledo’s last point and giving the Rockets a clean sweep over their rivals, as well as momentum heading into MAC tournament play next weekend.
“I’d like to recognize Shalini Tallamraju who finishes the regular season 10-0,” said Mauntler. “She is the most improved player I’ve ever coached and she has been such a constant force for our team.”
Toledo will next head to Muncie, Indiana, for the MAC Women’s Tennis Championships hosted by Ball State. As the No. 1 seed Toledo will play No. 4 seed Miami at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29. The championship match will be played at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 30.
