Hunter Tennis Duo Sweeps Week; Tchij and Stepanenko Go 4-0

The clay kicks up in dry plumes as Isabella Tchij drives the ball past her opponent. She holds her ground at the No. 1 position, her rhythm unbroken. Hunter’s winning streak extends again, powered by a performance that leaves little room for doubt. The air in Brooklyn feels charged with momentum, a physical weight that the team carries into every rally.

Beside her, Apllinariia Stepanenko mirrors that intensity. The freshman from Staten Island moves with sharp precision, her serves slicing through the air. Together, they form a formidable front line for Hunter, securing wins against both Purchase and Sarah Lawrence. The court becomes a stage for their dominance, every point a testament to their coordination and power.

Hunter's Top Court Dominance

Tchij, a sophomore from Brooklyn, posted a perfect 4-0 record at the lead position. Her singles victories were decisive: 6-3 and 6-3 against Purchase, followed by a commanding 6-1 and 6-3 over Sarah Lawrence. She added two doubles wins to her tally, ensuring Hunter’s sweep was complete. Her consistency at the net and from the baseline defined the week’s play.

Stepanenko matched her partner’s efficiency at the No. 2 spot, also going 4-0. She recorded singles scores of 6-0 and 6-1 against Purchase, then 6-0 and 6-0 against Sarah Lawrence. Her doubles contributions, winning 6-1 and 6-0, sealed the team's victories. The freshman’s ability to close out sets quickly provided the momentum Hunter needed.

Baruch's Yadav Career Milestone

At Baruch, Aishika Yadav reached a significant personal mark. The senior from Fresh Meadows earned her 49th career singles win against Manhattanville, the defending Skyline champion. This victory moved her into second place in program history for career wins. Her performance was part of a split week for the Baruch team, which finished 1-1.

Yadav’s week included a dominant 6-0 and 6-0 singles victory and a 6-1 doubles win in a 7-0 conference sweep of Lehman. Her contribution to the team’s effort was substantial, even as the overall record was mixed. Her experience and skill remain central to Baruch’s strategy in the CUNY Athletic Conference standings.

Upcoming Conference Matchups

The schedule intensifies as the season progresses. Baruch travels to Albertus Magnus on Monday, September 21, at 2 p.m. Brooklyn faces Sarah Lawrence on Tuesday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m. Hunter heads to Lehman on Wednesday, September 23, at 3:30 p.m. These matches will test the teams’ consistency and depth.

The weekend brings more critical encounters. Albertus Magnus hosts Brooklyn on Thursday, September 24, at 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, September 26, Pratt plays at Lehman at noon. The week concludes on Sunday, September 27, with Baruch at Purchase and Hunter at Pratt, both starting at noon. The stakes rise as the championship season approaches.