{shortcode-646fe337d2cb14deb048237be1deb6d3b3e5e0c5}
Harvard women’s tennis (13-8, 5-0 Ivy) claimed the 2025 Ivy League championship following a dominant 4-1 victory over Yale on senior day.
The success marks the first time since 2017 — and the 20th time in program history — that the Crimson team has earned the title of Ivy League Champions.
“I am so proud of our crew and all the accomplishments they received thus far,” said Coach Green after earning her third title. “They work so hard.”
Coming off a 4-2 win at Brown on Friday, the Crimson entered its last home match undefeated in league play.
This achievement is the result of a number of successes from the Harvard team, but most notable was a strong showing in the doubles matches.
Senior day was no different, with Harvard seniors Holly Fischer, Rachel Arbitman, Angel You, and Maxi Duncan all helping to earn their last doubles point at home.
“I’m super proud of our seniors,” said Green. “They really stepped up and showed their grit, determination, and perseverance.”
Those three qualities showcased by Harvard’s class of 2025 were also vital while maintaining a lead in singles.
Junior Charlotte Owensby demonstrated outstanding skill in her two sets, winning the first singles point and the second overall match point for Harvard.
Sophomore Stephanie Yakoff lost her first set 2-6, but showed unmatched tenacity in her gameplay and subsequently flipped the score to win her next two sets 6-1 and 6-0.
“We have a very gritty team,” Green added.
The Crimson’s grit was reflected on other courts, as its players battled out close sets with its Yale opponents. As most of the Harvard players split scores with the Bulldogs, the match result came down to critical third sets.
No. 1 Fischer, No. 5 Duncan, and No. 6 sophomore Kavya Karra were the Crimson’s last hopes for securing a final singles point, and they did not disappoint.
Fischer had an especially close series of games following her initial 6-4 set win, and second set 3-6 drop. With rallies that were as long as they were aggressive, the London, U.K., native needed patience and persistence in order to edge out Orly Ogilvy of Yale.
Luckily for Harvard, she displayed both in spades.
With a final series of lightning-fast ground strokes, the senior forced a shot from her opponent that went long. There was barely time for Fischer to call the ball out before the Crimson swarmed the first court in celebration.
“We knew someone on our team would step up and take that mantle to keep pushing us forward,” said Green. “I believe anyone on our team can step up on any day.”
From endless cheering to a cooler of water being poured on a jubilant Coach Green, Harvard women's tennis did not hesitate to begin their celebration as Ivy League Champions.
Looking forward, the women’s tennis team is setting its sights on the NCAA Tournament as well as its two remaining Ivy League matches against Cornell and Columbia next weekend. The Crimson will strive to win both matches and secure the title of sole champions, rather than sharing the accomplishment with another team.
“We know our work is not done.” Green said.
—Staff writer Bianca M. Egan can be reached at bianca.egan@thecrimson.com
Read more in Sports
No. 22 Harvard Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Cornell in 13-12 Heartbreaker