Bison Fall to Michigan State Despite Doubles Success
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell women’s tennis team suffered a 5-2 loss to Michigan State on Sunday evening, despite a strong start in doubles play. Abby Platt and Riley Jennings secured their third consecutive doubles victory, while Cameron King and Natalie Devraj clinched a hard-fought win at the No. 3 doubles spot to grant Bucknell the doubles point. But, Michigan State rallied to take five of the six singles matches, with Natalie Devraj earning the lone singles victory for the Bison. Bucknell’s record now stands at 6-6 overall as they prepare for their spring break competition in Hawaii, facing Hawaii and Chaminade next week.
Bucknell Women’s Tennis Falls to Michigan State in Hard-Fought Battle
Lewisburg, Pa. – Bucknell women’s tennis battled valiantly but ultimately fell to Michigan State 5-2 on Sunday evening, moving the Bison to a 6-6 overall record for the season.
Bison Secure Doubles Point with Strong Teamwork
Determined play in doubles action saw Bucknell initially take the lead. After a loss at the No. 2 doubles position, the Bison rallied to secure victories on courts one and three, earning the crucial doubles point and an early 1-0 advantage. Abby Platt and Riley Jennings continued their impressive form, achieving their third consecutive doubles win with a 6-4 victory over Morais and Parkins-Godwin.
Cameron King and Natalie Devraj further solidified Bucknell’s doubles performance, defeating Blackford and Fazlagil 7-6(8) at the No. 3 spot, showcasing resilience and strategic teamwork.
Spartans Dominate Singles Play, Devraj Shines
Michigan State responded strongly in singles competition, winning five of the six matches. Natalie Devraj emerged as the sole Bison victor in singles play, defeating Purser 7-5, 6-3 at the No. 6 position. Remarkably, Devraj achieved an undefeated night, contributing wins in both doubles and singles.
Abby Platt faced a tough opponent in Blackford, falling 6-3, 6-1. Riley Jennings also faced a challenge, losing to Morais 6-1, 6-0. Further setbacks came with losses for Allen, Manolov, and Mair against Tsitavets, Plihal, and Parkins-Godwin respectively.
Looking Ahead: Hawaii Spring Break Competition
Bucknell will now shift its focus to its spring break competition in Hawaii. The team is scheduled to face Hawaii on Sunday, March 8 at 6 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Chaminade on Monday, March 9 at 5 p.m. ET. This trip presents a valuable opportunity for the Bison to compete against different opponents and refine their strategies.
Singles Results
- Blackford (Michigan State) def. Platt, 6-3, 6-1
- Morais (Michigan State) def. Jennings, 6-1, 6-0
- Tsitavets (Michigan State) def. Allen, 6-2, 6-2
- Plihal (Michigan State) def. Manolov, 6-3, 6-2
- Parkins-Godwin (Michigan State) def. Mair, 2-6, 4-6, 4-6
- Devraj def. Purser, 6-4, 7-5
Doubles Results
- Platt/Jennings (Bucknell) def. Morais/Parkins-Godwin, 6-4
- Tsitavets/Purser (Michigan State) def. Mair/ Even-Esh, 6-1
- King/Devraj def. Blackford/Fazlagic, 7-6(8)
Did you know? Doubles play often sets the tone for a college tennis match, providing momentum and psychological advantages for the winning team.
Abby Platt: A Key Player for the Bison
Abby Platt, a senior from Dallas, Texas, continues to be a vital asset for the Bucknell women’s tennis team. Currently 11th in Bucknell history for career doubles victories (60) and tied for 27th in career singles victories (45), Platt’s experience and leadership are invaluable. She was also named 2025 Second Team All-Patriot League.
FAQ
Q: What is Bucknell’s overall record after the match against Michigan State?
A: Bucknell’s overall record is now 6-6.
Q: Who won the doubles point for Bucknell?
A: Abby Platt and Riley Jennings, as well as Cameron King and Natalie Devraj, secured the doubles point for Bucknell.
Q: Which Bison player won in both doubles and singles?
A: Natalie Devraj was the only Bison player to win in both doubles and singles.
Pro Tip: Consistent communication and strategic positioning are crucial for success in doubles tennis. Teams that work well together often have a significant advantage.
Stay tuned for updates on the Bison’s performance in Hawaii. What are your predictions for their spring break matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!