UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Women’s Tennis team opened the 2025 spring season with a commanding 7-0 victory over Villanova on Saturday afternoon. The team did not drop a set across singles and doubles play. It was the program’s first 7-0 win since March 26, 2023 against Indiana.
The Nittany Lions owned doubles play. Juniors Olivia Dorner and Maiko Uchijima, ranked No. 46 by ITA, picked up right where they left off with a 6-2 victory at No. 1. Senior Yvonne Zuffova paired with freshman Maria Daciana Ciubotaru for a 6-2 win at No. 3 and Ciubotaru’s first collegiate victory. Sophomore Jordina Cegarra and freshman Patricia Grigoras held a 5-4 advantage before their match concluded prematurely with Penn State securing the doubles point.
Penn State dominated singles play from start to finish. Dorner made quick work on court one with a 6-2, 6-0 win. On courts two and three, Uchijima triumphed 6-3, 6-2 on court two, while Grigoras won 6-2, 6-2 on court three.
Freshman Jelena Vico captured a 6-0, 7-5 victory on court four. Zuffova dominated her match 6-1, 6-2 on court five. Ciubotaru added to her strong collegiate debut with a 6-2, 6-2 win to end the contest on court six.
The squad returns to action on Sunday at 11 a.m. against Old Dominion at the Indoor Tennis Center.
Follow along with the Nittany Lions on X, @PennStateWTEN, and on Instagram, @pennstatewtennis.
Results
Doubles
1. Olivia Dorner/Maiko Uchijima (PSU) def. Sophia Edwards/Maggie Gehrig (VU): 6-2
2. Jordina Cegarra/Patricia Grigoras (PSU) v. Olivia Corcoran/Jenna Stevens (VU): 5-4 (unfinished)
3. Yvonna Zuffova/Maria Daciana Ciubotaru (PSU) def. Valierria Kornieva/Maddie Hills (VU): 6-2
Singles
1. Olivia Dorner (PSU) def. Sophia Edwards (VU): 6-2, 6-0
2. Maiko Uchijima (PSU) def. Maggie Gehrig (VU): 6-3, 6-2
3. Patricia Grigoras (PSU) def. Olivia Corcoran (VU): 6-2, 6-2
4. Jelena Vico (PSU) def. Jenna Stevens (VU): 6-0, 7-5
5. Yvonne Zuffova (PSU) def. Valierria Kornieva (VU): 6-1, 6-2
6. Maria Daciana Ciubotaru (PSU) def. Maddie Hills (VU): 6-2, 6-2