Phoenix, AZ, January 18, 2026
Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team began their spring season with a doubleheader against UC San Diego and Arizona State, facing tough competition. They lost both matches, with the highlight being a doubles win by the pairing of Peyton Duckett and Amalia Suciu. These early matches provide crucial experience for the team’s young roster as they prepare for the rest of the season, emphasizing resilience and growth in collegiate athletics.
Phoenix, AZ — Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team commenced its 2026 spring season with a challenging doubleheader on Saturday, January 17, dropping a pair of matches to UC San Diego and in-state rival Arizona State. The Lopes faced a rigorous test against formidable regional opponents, providing valuable experience for a young roster early in their competitive campaign.
The day began at the GCU Tennis Facility in Phoenix, where the Lopes hosted UC San Diego. Following a near three-hour battle, Grand Canyon then traveled to Tempe to take on Arizona State. This demanding schedule underscores the commitment to fostering resilience and competitive spirit within collegiate athletics, preparing student-athletes for the rigors of a full season.
The Phoenix Home Opener: UC San Diego Challenge
The Lopes opened their season in Phoenix against UC San Diego, ultimately falling 4-0 to the Tritons. The match saw intense competition across both doubles and singles play. In doubles, GCU’s sophomore Bella Crossman and senior Dani Deaifi were defeated by UC San Diego’s Alisa Lansky and Allison Lian with a score of 6-1 on court two. However, the pairing of sophomore Peyton Duckett and freshman Amalia Suciu secured an impressive 6-3 victory over Carling Chan and Hana Gamracy on court three, marking their first win as a duo. The tight doubles point concluded with GCU sophomore Karina Hofbauer and freshman Hams Metwally narrowly losing 7-6 in a tiebreaker on court one.
In singles action, UC San Diego secured the necessary points to clinch the match. Julia Visaya defeated GCU’s Peyton Duckett 7-5, 6-0 on court five. Freshman Sydney Schnell from Phoenix made her collegiate debut for the Lopes on court six, falling 6-2, 6-1 to Allison Lian. Hana Gamracy then clinched the match for the Tritons with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Hams Metwally on court three.
Tempe Test: Facing Arizona State
Following their home opener, the Lopes traveled across town to Tempe to face a strong Arizona State team, where they also suffered a 4-0 defeat. The Sun Devils, who swept both UC Davis and Grand Canyon 4-0 to open their 2026 season, proved to be a formidable opponent. Arizona State took the doubles point, with GCU’s Crossman and Deaifi defeated 6-1 by Emilija Tverijonaite and Vivian Ovrootsky on court two. On court one, Hofbauer and Metwally were defeated 6-3 by Karsyn Evans and Lily Taylor. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, GCU’s Peyton Duckett and Amalia Suciu secured their second doubles win of the day, defeating Zlata Bartanusz and Sarang Lim 6-3 on court three.
In singles, Arizona State clinched the match with victories on three courts. Zlata Bartanusz defeated GCU’s Dani Deaifi 6-2, 6-2 on court four to seal the Sun Devils’ win. Arizona State’s Lily Taylor secured a 6-1, 6-1 straight-sets win, and Zlata Bartanusz followed with a 6-1, 6-2 victory to further extend their lead.
Building for the Season: Resilience and Growth
These early-season matches against strong programs like UC San Diego and Arizona State are crucial for the Grand Canyon University women’s tennis team. The young lineup gained invaluable experience, highlighting areas for growth and demonstrating flashes of individual and team excellence. The perseverance shown in navigating a doubleheader, particularly securing doubles wins against both opponents, exemplifies the team’s developing competitive spirit. The Lopes are scheduled to continue their season with a match against DePaul on January 19.
Arizona Athletics: A Competitive Landscape
The robust collegiate athletic scene in Arizona, encompassing institutions like Grand Canyon University and Arizona State, fosters a dynamic environment for student-athletes and contributes significantly to the state’s vibrant sports culture. University programs are cornerstones of community engagement, providing opportunities for local talent to develop and compete at high levels. The emphasis on competition and performance within these university settings cultivates personal discipline and teamwork, attributes vital for success both on and off the court. Such initiatives, often bolstered by private investment and community support, are instrumental in elevating the profile of Phoenix AZ sports and creating a fertile ground for athletic excellence.
Fostering Excellence Through Competition
The pursuit of excellence in collegiate athletics, as showcased by Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team, underscores the value of competition in personal and collective development. Each match, regardless of outcome, offers an opportunity for growth, strategic refinement, and the cultivation of individual initiative. The drive to compete against top-tier opponents, even in challenging doubleheaders, reflects a commitment to responsible growth and continuous improvement within the program. This dedication resonates with the broader ethos of self-reliance and achievement that underpins successful community endeavors.
The competitive nature of college tennis, where individual skill and team cohesion are paramount, provides a platform for student-athletes to hone their abilities, develop leadership qualities, and contribute to their university’s athletic legacy. These experiences are fundamental to shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges, reinforcing the positive impact of university programs on student development.
Grand Canyon University athletics, including its women’s tennis program, serves as a testament to the power of competitive sports to unite communities and inspire future generations of athletes. The dedication of these student-athletes, coaches, and supporting staff fuels the competitive spirit that defines Phoenix AZ sports.
As the Grand Canyon University women’s tennis team continues its 2026 season, local residents are encouraged to engage with the team, attend matches, and support these dedicated student-athletes. Your involvement helps sustain the vibrant competitive spirit that makes Arizona college tennis a compelling spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team play against UC San Diego and Arizona State?
Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team played against UC San Diego and Arizona State on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
What were the scores of the matches?
Grand Canyon University lost 4-0 to UC San Diego and 4-0 to Arizona State.
Where were the matches held?
The match against UC San Diego was held at the GCU Tennis Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The match against Arizona State was held at the Whiteman Tennis Center in Tempe, Arizona.
Which GCU players secured a doubles win against UC San Diego?
GCU’s sophomore Peyton Duckett and freshman Amalia Suciu secured a 6-3 doubles win against Carling Chan and Hana Gamracy of UC San Diego.
Which GCU players secured a doubles win against Arizona State?
GCU’s sophomore Peyton Duckett and freshman Amalia Suciu secured a 6-3 doubles win against Zlata Bartanusz and Sarang Lim of Arizona State.
When is Grand Canyon University’s next women’s tennis match?
Grand Canyon University’s women’s tennis team is scheduled to play against DePaul on January 19, 2026.
Feature Table: Grand Canyon University Women’s Tennis Season Opener
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | GCU Doubles Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 17, 2026 | UC San Diego | Phoenix, AZ (GCU Tennis Facility) | L, 0-4 | 1 (Duckett/Suciu vs. Chan/Gamracy, 6-3) |
| January 17, 2026 | Arizona State | Tempe, AZ (Whiteman Tennis Center) | L, 0-4 | 1 (Duckett/Suciu vs. Bartanusz/Lim, 6-3) |
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