NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University women's tennis team faced off against Western Kentucky University at the Ensworth Tennis Center but fell short, finishing the match with a score of 5-2 on February 21, 2025. Despite winning the coveted doubles point, the Bruins (1-5) could not secure enough singles victories to claim the overall match. They succeeded at the top two doubles positions, with senior Anastasiya Zholdakova and her partner Aly Getty clinching the first doubles win, and the duo of senior Viktoria Kliimand and sophomore Hana Sokolovic also securing their victory at the second doubles spot, defeating WKU’s Sofia Blanco and Rachel Hermanova, who were ranked 85th nationally by the ITA.
Western Kentucky's (5-3) dominating performance ensued with straight-set wins at No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 singles, quickly giving them a lead of 3-1. On court three, Sokolovic put up a fight but lost to Miranda after losing the first set tiebreaker. Fortunately for Belmont, Zholdakova rebounded from losing the first set at No. 1 to take the next two sets convincingly. Freshman Sarah McElrath at No. 6 also battled against WKU’s Elizabeth Sobieski but succumbed after winning the first set. The Bruins will next attempt to improve their record with matches against Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Kentucky on February 22 and March 1, respectively.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Samford University baseball team opened its series against the fourth-ranked University of Tennessee on the same day, experiencing defeat with a matchup ending 5-1 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Bulldogs fell to 3-2 on the season following this encounter. Samford's only run came from Trey Higgins, who hit a solo home run. From the mound, Miller Riggins suffered the loss, allowing five runs before being substituted after the fourth inning.
Tennessee improved its record to 5-0, showcasing powerful batting with Andrew Fischer contributing with two hits, including a double, and Reese Chapman hitting one of the Volunteers' homers. Cannon Peebles impressed with his two-run homer, bolstering Tennessee’s score before Samford managed to get on the board with Higgins’ home run.
The teams will continue their series with another game on February 22, 2025, at 1 PM CT. Following the baseball action, the college sports spotlight moved to softball with Stanford facing Texas.
STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford Cardinal displayed impressive resilience against Texas, securing their game with key moments, particularly from Allie Clements, who hit two two-run home runs and drove in four RBIs. After Texas managed to tie the score at 4-4, Stanford responded effectively; Joie Economides delivered a remarkable three-run homer, pushing the Cardinal to lead 7-4. Although Texas had various chances to stage a comeback, including loading the bases in the seventh inning, they could not capitalize on those opportunities, cementing Stanford's victory.
This evening's results encapsulated the competitive nature of college sports, with Belmont’s tennis, Samford’s baseball, and Stanford's softball showing the determination and talent present across collegiate athletics as the 2025 season progresses.