RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Union University women's tennis team opened the 2026 season on Saturday, competing in a CIAA matchup against a strong and well-balanced Virginia State squad. The Lady Panthers took the court without several of their new recruits but used the match as an opportunity to gain valuable early-season experience.

In singles play, Madison Hill faced Virginia State's Nyia Terrel and fell by scores of 6-1 and 6-0. Briana Velinor dropped her match against Damila Boillers, 6-1 and 6-0. Maya Mercer battled Brianna Woody but came up short, 6-1 and 6-1.

The Lady Panthers also competed in doubles action as Maya Mercer and Alana Simmons teamed up to face the Virginia State duo of Taryn Toomer and Brianna Woody. The VSU pair took the match 6-1.

Despite the results, the contest served as an important early test for Virginia Union as the program continues building toward the remainder of the season.

"The women's tennis team will continue the fight by training hard," said VUU Head Tennis Coach Gabriel Kotto.

Virginia Union returns to action on Tuesday, March 17, when the Lady Panthers host Elizabeth City State University at 1:00 p.m. at Battery Park in Richmond, Va.