Stefanova Wins at No. 1 Singles but Scots Fall to Dutch
MONMOUTH, Ill. (08/29/2026) — The Monmouth College women's tennis team started the 2026-27 season with a 6-1 home loss to Central College on Saturday. Senior Ivana Stefanova (Streamwood, Illinois) picked up where she left off last season, winning 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1 singles.
"Ivana did her typical get out there and take care of business in singles," said Coach Brian Dahlstrom. "She has the tools to be able to make a quick match at number one which is always a great asset for us as a team and it is wonderful to be able to have her at the top of our ladder."
At No. 1 doubles, Stefanova and freshman Jenny Nelson (Wentzville, Missouri) battled for nearly an hour but fell 7-5. Kimber Calvert (Paris, Illinois) and Tiah Riggs (Vincennes, Indiana) lost 6-3 at No. 2 doubles. At No. 3 doubles, newcomers Delaney Albarram (Chicago, Illinois) and Korryn Keehner (Staunton, Illinois) fell 6-1.
"We had some really close matches in doubles and I don't think the scores were indicative of the result in two of the three as they had many close games," said Dahlstrom.
In singles, Stefanova prevailed 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1 while Nelson lost 6-3, 6-1 at No. 2. Calvert lost 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3. Riggs No. 4. Alayna McKinley (Rock Island, Illinois) lost 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 and Albarram fell 6-1, 6-3 at No. 6.
"We elevated our consistency in singles and didn't give away many points," said Dahlstrom. "We're continuing to get better and we are looking forward to this season with great attitudes. Overall this was a perfect day for tennis and it was great to get support from our students and President Draves being there to cheer on the Scots meant a lot to us."
MONMOUTH MOMENTS: Saturday's match was the first Fighting Scots home event of the 2026-27 academic year ... Central has won 17 in a row against the Scots since 2003 ... With her 31st career singles win, Stefanova is now in sole possession of third place on the Monmouth career singles wins list ... She also has 60 combined wins and is the fourth player in MC history to reach 60 ... Stefanova went 4-0 in her single career against Central and 3-1 in doubles with three different partners ... Nelson, Albarram and Keehner all made their college debuts on Saturday ... The Scots will host Loras and Millikin next Saturday with matches at 9 am and 3 pm.
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