The Eastern Michigan University tennis team traveled to the University of North Florida Tennis Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, to face a formidable opponent — the No. 55-ranked University of North Florida. On March 4, 2026, the Ospreys entered the match with a perfect 13-0 record, presenting a significant final nonconference challenge for the Eagles. Eastern Michigan (9-4) sought to carry momentum into their upcoming league schedule but ultimately fell 6-1 against the disciplined home squad.
The loss moved the all-time series between the two programs to 0-2, with both meetings having taken place on North Florida's home courts. The previous encounter occurred nearly two decades ago in 2006, resulting in a 5-2 win for the Ospreys.
Tight battles in doubles play
The afternoon began with highly competitive doubles matches as the Eagles fought to secure the opening point. At the No. 1 position, the duo of Kseniia Saenko and Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya fell in a close 6-4 battle against UNF’s Laurie Barendse and Isabel Oliveira. A similar story unfolded at the No. 3 spot, where Iva Daneva and Regina Mendez Carreño also dropped their set 6-4 to Aryana Bartlett and May Fadida.
Interestingly, the No. 2 doubles pairing of Matilde Parreira and Sabrina Tolstova was actually leading their match 5-4 against Gabby Goyins and Anslee Long when play was halted. Because North Florida had already secured the doubles point with wins on the other two courts, the match was left unfinished.
Ospreys dominate top singles, Mendez Carreño shows grit
As the match transitioned to singles play, North Florida demonstrated why they are a top-60 program. The Ospreys quickly extended their lead to 6-0 by sweeping the first five singles flights. At the No. 4 spot, Fadida defeated Saenko (6-1, 6-1), followed by a win at No. 2 where Oliveira bested Pehal Kharadkar (6-2, 6-1). The team victory was officially clinched at the No. 5 position as Goyins defeated Parreira (6-0, 6-1).
Despite the mounting scoreline, Carreño refused to yield at the No. 6 position. In a marathon performance, she defeated Jasmin Makela in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6(5). The victory required a high degree of focus, particularly in the second-set tiebreak, to ensure Eastern Michigan did not leave Jacksonville empty-handed.
Head coach Ryan Kucera praised the leadership of his captain following the match. "I am very proud of Regina," Kucera said. "She played like our captain and was definitely the tougher and more disciplined player."
Looking ahead to MAC play
While disappointed with the overall result, Kucera noted a significant improvement in the team's competitive spirit compared to their previous outing against Stetson University. He highlighted that while North Florida was more aggressive in "big moments," the Eagles remained committed to finding solutions and did not "lay down."
The Eagles now pivot to their Mid-American Conference schedule, which begins at home Friday, March 13, 2026. They will host Northern Illinois University at 1 p.m., marking the final regular-season meeting against the Huskies before they depart for the Horizon League. Following the home opener, the Eagles will travel to Amherst on March 15, 2026, to face the University of Massachusetts, the newest member of the MAC.
