In a thrilling Big 12 opener, the No. 54 Iowa State Cyclones clashed with the No. 72 Colorado Buffaloes, emerging victorious with a 4-3 win. The match took place on February 8, 2025, at the Iowa State Tennis Center in Ames, Iowa, marking a significant milestone for the Cyclones in the early stages of the season.
The Cyclones’ triumph not only secured their seventh win of the season but also marked their first Big 12 victory, setting the tone for a promising start in the conference. Coming off the back of a successful road stint, Iowa State showcased their resilience and determination in a hard-fought battle against their opponents.
A Dominant Display on the Court
The showdown began with doubles play, where the teams of Aya El Sayed and Pia Rebec from Colorado and Anna Supapitch Kuearum and Cristina Ramos Sierra from Iowa State faced off on the No. 1 court. In a closely contested match, the Colorado duo claimed victory with a 6-3 win, taking an early lead in the competition.
However, the Cyclones quickly turned the tide in their favor as freshmen Mari Paz Alberto Vilar and Julia Camblor secured a 6-1 win against Colorado’s Anya Nelson and Rixt Van Der Werff on the No. 2 court. Despite this impressive display, Colorado’s Mila Stanojevic and Lera Alexin clinched the doubles point with a 6-4 win over Suzanie Pretorius and Valeska San Martin Ramirez on the No. 3 court, giving Colorado an early advantage.
As the singles matches unfolded, the tension mounted with each set, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. Freshman Gabriela Felix kicked off the singles play for Iowa State with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alexin on the No. 6 court, leveling the scores and setting the stage for an intense showdown.
A Gritty Comeback and a Decisive Finish
In a back-and-forth battle, Van Der Werff of Colorado rallied back to claim a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Ramos Sierra on the No. 4 court, showcasing her resilience and skill under pressure. However, Pretorius of Iowa State quickly evened the contest with a dominant 6-2, 2-6, 6-0 win against Rebec on the No. 5 court, bringing the Cyclones back into contention.
The momentum continued to shift as Kuearum secured a crucial win for Iowa State on the No. 1 court, defeating Stanojevic 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 and giving the Cyclones a 3-2 lead in the match. With tensions running high, Camblor faced off against El Sayed in a closely fought battle on the No. 2 court, ultimately falling short with a 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 loss.
In a nail-biting final match, it was Vilar’s perseverance and skill that propelled the Cyclones to victory. Despite being down 1-4 in the third set, Vilar staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 win, securing the overall victory for Iowa State and solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
As the dust settled on a thrilling encounter, Iowa State emerged triumphant and now looks ahead to their upcoming clash with No. 13 Texas Tech. The Cyclones’ impressive performance serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit, making them a team to watch in the competitive world of collegiate tennis.
