The Belmont University women’s tennis team ended its 2026 season on April 24 after a 4-1 defeat to Murray State in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Chicago. The Bruins, seeded sixth, took an early lead by winning the doubles point but were unable to maintain momentum as third-seeded Murray State won four straight-set singles matches at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Flames Outdoor Tennis Courts.
This match marked the conclusion of a challenging season for Belmont, which finished with a record of three wins and eighteen losses overall and two wins in conference play. The early advantage came from victories at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, where both pairings secured their matches against Murray State opponents.
In singles competition, Tapia-Cruz and Popiol each claimed opening sets at their respective positions but were unable to finish as Murray State secured decisive wins on other courts. At No. 1 singles, Missouri Valley Conference Co-Player of the Year Valeria Chaikovskaia defeated Webster in straight sets. Additional points for Murray State came from Sofia Issakova over Jeladze at No. 4 singles and Bruna Melato over Grant at fifth singles.
Rebecca Widan clinched the match for Murray State with her win over a Belmont senior at sixth singles, bringing an end to Belmont’s tournament run.
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