NoDak Kicks Off Season with Dominating 6-1 Victory Against Eastern Illinois

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The University of North Dakota women’s tennis squad commenced the championship segment of the 2024-25 season with a convincing 6-1 victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday evening in Terre Haute, Ind. 

UND (1-0) began robustly in doubles matches, taking a 1-0 lead with a trio of 6-1 triumphs across all courts. The leading duo of Ethel Li and Aziza Aubin set the pace, followed by Nore Heinitz and Jule Schulte, who secured a win on the middle court to confirm the 1-0 advantage for the Fighting Hawks. The entirely new duo of Alyssa Giupponi and Andrea Pineda finalized the flawless start for the green and white on the bottom court, giving the Hawks an energetic boost heading into singles play. 

During the individual matchups, Giupponi achieved the first victory of her collegiate journey with a 6-0, 6-1 score on the bottom court, extending the lead to 2-0, while Li increased the advantage to 3-0 at the No. 3 position with a score of 6-4, 6-1. 

Pineda contributed the first decisive win of the season for NoDak on the top court with a 6-2, 6-1 score before Aubin enhanced the lead to 5-0 at the No. 5 position with a victory of 6-4, 6-3. EIU managed to score on the No. 2 court, but UND wrapped up the match with Heinitz’s 6-2, 7-6 win at the fourth position to secure the 6-1 victory. 

North Dakota will compete again tomorrow night at 8 p.m. against Lindenwood. 

For additional information on North Dakota women’s tennis, follow on social platforms @UNDwtennis or visit FightingHawks.com.