Huskers Top Dukes in Season Opener

In its first match of the spring 2026 season, the Nebraska women’s tennis team defeated James Madison 5-2 in Lincoln on Friday. The Huskers notch their first win of the season and move to 1-0.

The Big Red claimed five singles matches and three doubles matches, and dropped two singles matches against the Dukes, as the teams agreed to play all matches to their conclusion.

The dual began with doubles play at the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center. Juniors Emma Rizzetto and Tiziana Rossini faced Hoffman/Williams on Court One, with juniors Yuzu Miyoshi and Reya Lee Coe matching up with Matko/Saveljic on Court Two, and Katie Spencer and Catherine Gagnon on Court 3. Spencer and Gagnon earned the first win for NU, defeating Munteanu/Kantor 6-1. Rizzetto and Rossini followed, defeating Hoffman/Williams, 6-4, and Miyoshi and Coe finished out doubles play, taking down Matko/Saveljic, 7-5. 

With the doubles point secured, the Huskers took on singles play. Spencer grabbed the first singles point for the Big Red on Court 3, defeating Sophie Williams in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. Rizzetto bested Saveljic on Court 2, 6-2, 6-0, to push Nebraska to a 3-0 lead. Gagnon fell to Hoffman, 6-1, 7-5 on Court 5, giving JMU its first point of the night. On Court 4, Rossini topped Kantor in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4. Taranova fought hard but fell to Munteanu on Court 1, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. To finish out the night, Coe defeated Ariel Avidan on Court 6, 7-5, 1-6, 6-2, to seal the 5-2 victory for the Huskers.

UP NEXT

Nebraska will stay at home to take on Omaha in a doubleheader on Sunday, Jan. 18, with matches at noon and 4 p.m. (CT). The dual will be held at Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center. Parking and admission are free for fans, and the match will be live streamed on Playsight. Stay up to date with Nebraska Women’s Tennis by following social media channels (@HuskerWTennis) for spring updates and content.

Nebraska 5, James Madison 2

Singles Competition

1. Daria Munteanu (JMU) def. Maria Taranova (NEB), 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
2. Emma Rizzetto (NEB) def. Mia Saveljic (JMU), 6-4, 6-4
3. Katie Spencer (NEB) def. Sophie Williams (JMU), 6-2, 6-0
4. Tiziana Rossini (NEB) def. Anna Kantor (JMU), 7-5, 6-4
5. Brooklyn Hoffman (JMU) def. Catherine Gagnon (NEB), 6-1, 7-5
6. Reya Lee Coe (NEB) def. Ariel Avidan (JMU), 7-5, 1-6, 6-2

Doubles Competition

1. Emma Rizzetto/Tiziana Rossini (NEB) def. Brooklyn Hoffman/Sophie Williams (JMU), 6-4
2. Yuzu Miyoshi/Reya Lee Coe (NEB) def. Reka Matko/Mia Saveljic (JMU), 7-5
3. Katie Spencer/Catherine Gagnon (NEB) def. Daria Munteanu/Anna Kantor (JMU), 6-1