Women's Tennis Earn All-MAAC Honors

EDISON, NJ. — Sacred Heart women's tennis earned a strong showing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) postseason awards, highlighted by Ava Nelson being named Co-Rookie of the Year as the Pioneers placed multiple players across singles and doubles honors.

Nelson's freshman campaign set the tone for Sacred Heart, as she led the team with a 17-8 overall singles record and an 11-4 mark in dual matches. She was dominant in key spots of the lineup, going an impressive 10-3 in #2 Singles, while also posting a 6-1 record in conference play. Nelson becomes only the third woman in SHU women's tennis in earn conference "Rookie of the Year" honors.

In doubles, Sacred Heart proved to be one of the MAAC's most reliable teams. Olivia Zuba and Ola Irla Bartyzel earned First Team Doubles honors after compiling a 9-4 overall record and a 9-3 mark in dual play, consistently setting the tone in the opening point. Nelson paired with Malena del Olmo to secure Second Team Doubles recognition, going 8-3 overall and 8-2 in dual matches, giving the Pioneers another dependable tandem.

Ola Irla Bartyzel also starred in singles, earning First Team All-MAAC honors after finishing 14-10 overall and 8-5 in dual play. She was particularly effective in conference matches with a 6-1 record at the top of the lineup. Her steady play anchored Sacred Heart throughout the season.

Savita Bagirathan rounded out the honorees with Third Team Singles recognition, putting together a 14-11 overall record and an 11-6 dual mark. She was a key contributor in the middle of the lineup, highlighted by a 10-5 record at #3 Singles and a strong finish that included four straight wins and a 7-3 mark over her last 10 matches.

With momentum on their side and multiple all-conference performers, the Pioneers now turn their attention to the MAAC Tournament. Sacred Heart will face No. 2 Mount St. Mary's in the semifinal round on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Princeton University Racquet and Fieldhouse in Princeton, New Jersey, with a spot in the championship on the line

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Savita Bagirathan

Malena del Olmo

Ola Irla Bartyzel

Ava Nelson

Olivia Zuba

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Upcoming

Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis versus Mount St. Mary's (Md.) on Apr. 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM