PATCHOGUE, N.Y.- The Hunter College women's tennis team opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion Tuesday, earning a 7-0 nonconference victory over St. Joseph's University Long Island.
The Hawks (1-0) swept all three doubles matches before carrying the momentum into singles play, where Hunter won each of its six matches in straight sets.
Isabella Tchij and Ana-maria Bichinashvili set the tone at No. 1 doubles with a convincing 6-1 victory. Sara Novo and Amber Lai followed with a 7-5 win at the No. 2 position, while Julia Aksamentova and Ava Cooper teamed up to complete the doubles sweep with a 6-1 victory at No. 3.
Hunter continued to control the match in singles competition. Tchij earned a 6-2, 6-1 victory at the top spot, while Novo surrendered just two games in a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2. Apllinariia Stepanenko was equally impressive in her Hunter debut, cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 3.
Bichinashvili added a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 4, while Aksamentova posted a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 5. Lai rounded out the Hawks' perfect afternoon with a 6-2, 6-4 victory in the sixth singles position.
The Purple and Gold returns to action on Sept. 14 for a 3:30 p.m. road match against Purchase College.
