(Photo: Ayden Vasquez/WCSN)
TEMPE — No. 16 Arizona State Sun Devils women’s tennis continued its strong push through Big 12 play with a 4–0 sweep of Iowa State Cyclones women’s tennis on Sunday afternoon at Whiteman Tennis Center, using a dominant doubles performance and efficient singles play to secure its 15th win of the season.
Arizona State (15–4, 7-2 Big 12) claimed the doubles point and quickly built momentum in singles, winning three completed matches in straight sets to clinch the victory. The Sun Devils conceded just seven total games across those singles courts, reflecting a controlled and disciplined performance from the top of the lineup down.
The Sun Devils established control early in doubles. The No. 2 pair of Emilija Tverijonaite and Aiya Nupbay earned a 6–2 win, setting the tone with aggressive net play and consistent returns.
Moments later, the No. 1 duo of Vivian Ovrootsky and Lily Taylor closed out a 6–1 victory to secure the doubles point before the third match, where Arizona State held a late lead, went unfinished.
“I feel like all the team, we all did our jobs on each of the courts,” Tverijonaite said. “We were fighting super well and bringing the energy and intensity from the starting point.”
That early energy carried into singles, where Arizona State’s depth proved decisive. No. 22-ranked Tverijonaite delivered one of the most complete performances of the day at the top spot, defeating Mari Paz Vilar 6–1, 6–3. Her ability to dictate points from the baseline and limit unforced errors allowed the Sun Devils to extend their lead without facing significant pressure.
At No. 5 singles, freshman Zlata Bartanusz continued her strong weekend with a 6–1, 6–1 victory, showcasing consistency and composure as she adjusted to the team format of college tennis. Her win pushed Arizona State within one point of clinching.
The decisive moment came on Court 4, where Nupbay closed out a 6–4, 6–2 win to secure the team result. Despite the significance of the match, Nupbay said her focus remained narrow throughout.
“Honestly, I didn’t know that I was going to clinch,” Nupbay said. “I was just trying to focus on one point at a time. If I get too ahead of myself, I’m going to go nuts.”
Nupbay added that the match required mental discipline as much as physical execution.
“I feel like today, obviously, it’s already past the middle of the season, so all the matches are tough,” she said. “Everybody’s tired, and this was all mental. … Managing my emotions and being really physical is what got me through.”
Head coach Jamea Jackson said her team’s ability to stay composed and capitalize on opportunities was a key factor in the sweep.
“I think the girls played very, very well,” Jackson said. “We capitalized on a little bit of an opening that they gave us and didn’t look back.”
Jackson noted that maintaining intensity can be challenging when an opponent struggles to generate momentum, but Arizona State avoided that trap.
“Sometimes when your opponent is not bringing it, that can affect you,” Jackson said. “But we didn’t let it be a distraction, and I’m very proud of that.”
She also pointed to continued improvement in doubles, an area the program has emphasized in recent weeks as conference play intensifies.
“Doubles have been where we can improve the most, and we’ve been working on it,” Jackson said. “These things take time, and it was validating to see them really commit and get the win.”
Three additional singles matches — on Courts 2, 3 and 6 — went unfinished with Arizona State holding advantages in each, further illustrating the team’s control across the lineup.
Beyond the results, players and coaches pointed to the home environment as a consistent edge. Arizona State has been particularly strong in Tempe, where conditions and crowd support have created a difficult setting for opponents.
“It’s so different playing at home,” Nupbay said. “We have our home crowd — it’s a privilege. The atmosphere is insane, especially at night.”
Jackson echoed that sentiment, noting that environmental factors — including heat and dry conditions — often work in the Sun Devils’ favor.
“We know it’s difficult to come into Tempe and compete here,” Jackson said. “We love it whenever we get to compete here.”
With the regular season entering its final stretch, Arizona State remains focused on consistency rather than rankings or external expectations. Tverijonaite said the team’s approach has remained steady despite its national standing.
“We’re trying not to let the results get into our heads too much,” Tverijonaite said. “It’s about staying resilient and doing what we’ve been doing.”
The Sun Devils will return to Whiteman Tennis Center next week to face Texas Tech, a familiar conference opponent.
With confidence from a previous meeting and continued improvement across the lineup, Arizona State will look to extend its home success and build momentum heading into postseason play.
