MISSOULA, Montana – The Idaho State women's tennis team battled back after dropping the doubles point to earn a 5–2 victory at Montana on Sunday afternoon at the Peak Racquet Club, improving to 10–7 overall and 4–2 in Big Sky play.
"This team was super gritty today," head coach Gretchen Maloney said. "After losing the doubles point and going down a set on the first three courts, we were really having to figure out a way to win. I am so proud of their determination and fight today."
After falling behind early, Idaho State flipped the match through sheer resilience. The Bengals faced deficits across multiple courts in singles play, including dropping first sets on four courts, but steadily clawed their way back by extending rallies, winning key deuce points, and executing late in sets. One by one, ISU turned momentum, transforming early setbacks into match-clinching victories.
Doubles
Idaho State picked up a win on court two but fell short in the other two matches as Montana claimed the doubles point.
Singles
The Bengals responded in singles play, winning five of six matches, including four coming in three-set battles after dropping opening sets on multiple courts.
- No. 1 Singles: Millie Day (ISU) fell to Phillips (UM), 2–6, 3–6
- No. 2 Singles: Stefanya Shalakhova (ISU) def. Anand (UM), 2–6, 6–4, 7–5
- No. 3 Singles: Asem Shoybek (ISU) def. Prichard (UM), 5–7, 7–6 (7–2), 6–1
- No. 4 Singles: Emmy Richards (ISU) def. Slovakova (UM), 6–2, 6–1
- No. 5 Singles: Sydney Morris (ISU) def. Kielty (UM), 0–6, 6–2, 6–2
- No. 6 Singles: Veronika Zarovna (ISU) def. Agrawal (UM), 6–0, 1–6, 6–3
Idaho State's comeback was defined by composure under pressure. At No. 2, Shalakhova regrouped after a first-set loss and closed strong in a tight third set. Shoybek followed a similar path at No. 3, bouncing back from a narrow opening-set defeat to dominate the final set. Morris showed one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the day, responding to a 0–6 first set with back-to-back commanding sets to secure her point.
Even in matches that swung back and forth, the Bengals maintained belief. Zarovna recovered after splitting the first two sets to take control in the decider, while Richards provided stability with a straight-set win that helped swing momentum back toward Idaho State early in singles play.
Up Next
Idaho State looks to complete conference play next weekend as the Bengals prepare for their final two matches of the regular season, hosting Eastern Washington on Friday, April 10th and Portland State on Sunday, April 12th for Senior Day. Both matches are slated to begin at 11 A.M. in Reed Gym.
