Women's Tennis | 5/8/2026 5:23:00 PM
MIDDLEBURY, VT — The Hartwick Women's Tennis team opened the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Championship Tournament with a tough first round matchup, falling to nationally ranked Tufts on Friday afternoon in tournament play hosted by Middlebury College.
THE BASICS
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Final Score: Hartwick 0 No.20 Tufts 4
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Location: Middlebury, Vt. | Middlebury College Outdoor Tennis Courts
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Records: Hartwick (14-5, 8-0 Empire 8) No.20 Tufts (13-6, 7-3 NESCAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
After another stellar campaign from the Blue and White, the Hawks were met with a difficult challenge in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, taking on the nationally ranked Tufts Jumbos out of the highly competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
Tufts earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, while Hartwick secured an automatic berth after claiming its third Empire 8 Championship in the last four seasons.
The Hawks opened the match with strong energy and matched the Jumbos' aggressiveness early in doubles play, but Tufts' consistency proved to be the difference. The Jumbos secured the doubles point with victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles despite Hartwick battling for every point throughout the opening portion of the match.
In singles play, Tufts continued to apply pressure and capitalize on opportunities, extending its lead while the Hawks continued to compete point-for-point throughout the lineup. Hartwick showed determination and resilience against one of Division III's top programs, forcing the Jumbos to earn every point.
Senior Maggie Van Valkenburgh (Highland, N.Y.) closed out her decorated collegiate career competing at No. 3 singles, while fellow seniors Lily Vanuga (Springville, N.Y.) and Maddi Morrison (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) wrapped up standout seasons at No. 2 and No. 5 singles, respectively. Samantha Lantzy (Valatie, N.Y.) and Gianna Leggieri (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) each made repeat appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with Lantzy competing at the top of the singles lineup for the first time in tournament play. First-year Elise Beauharnois (Peru, N.Y.) also made her NCAA Tournament debut, competing at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles.
Despite the result, the Hawks capped off another historic season with a strong showing on the national stage and will look to defend their Empire 8 title again this fall.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.