VALDOSTA, Ga. – The new-look Valdosta State women's tennis team opened the 2026 season with a 5-2 victory over visiting Middle Georgia on Tuesday afternoon at the VSU Tennis Complex.

The doubles point came down to the decisive court, where the Blazer duo of Kitti Nemeth and Ivana Castillo Hurtado staged a dramatic comeback. Trailing 5-4, the pair forced a tiebreaker and then fell behind 4-2 before reeling off five consecutive points to secure the crucial doubles point. At the top position, Lena Beckx and Milica Prokic earned a 6-3 win, while Middle Georgia claimed the remaining doubles match.

Valdosta State carried that momentum into singles play, quickly extending its lead. Carmelle Vial posted a 6-3, 6-1 victory at No. 5, followed by a 6-3, 6-3 win from Ena Arnautovic at No. 6 to make it 3-0 Blazers.

The match was clinched at No. 4 singles as Charleigh Fay defeated Agustina Olivero 6-1, 7-6 (7-2). VSU added its fifth point at No. 2 singles with Prokic earning a 7-6 (7-1), 6-1 win. Middle Georgia closed out the match with victories at Nos. 1 and 3 singles.

The Blazers return to action Friday at 2 p.m. at the VSU Tennis Complex when they host No. 2 Nova Southeastern.