Western Carolina women’s tennis team’s Catamounts lose to the 12th-ranked Auburn Tigers in their season opener.

Western Carolina Women’s Tennis Team Falls to No. 12 Auburn Tigers in Season Opener

The Western Carolina women’s tennis team faced a daunting challenge in their 2025 season opener, taking on the 12th-ranked Auburn Tigers in an early test of their skills and preparation. Despite a valiant effort, the Catamounts were ultimately outmatched by the Tigers, falling 4-0 in a match that showcased the stark contrast in talent and depth between the two teams. However, the match was more than just a defeat—it served as a valuable learning experience for the Catamounts, providing insight into what they need to work on as they continue their season.

As the Catamounts hit the courts in Auburn, Alabama, they were ready to compete against one of the premier programs in college tennis. Although Auburn’s women’s team has been a consistent powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally, the Western Carolina squad entered the match with aspirations of testing their mettle against such elite competition.

While they fell short on the scoreboard, the match offered several takeaways for the Catamounts that will be crucial as they progress through a challenging season. Let’s break down the match and explore how the Catamounts performed against Auburn and what this game means for their development moving forward.

Setting the Scene: A High-Stakes Opener

The Western Carolina women’s tennis team had spent the offseason preparing for a competitive season, and the season opener against Auburn was meant to be a litmus test for how far they had come in their development. Head coach Bill Walters, in his third year at the helm of the program, had focused on improving the team’s fitness, mental toughness, and overall tennis IQ. With a roster that included a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team was determined to give a strong showing, even against a team of Auburn’s caliber.

The Auburn Tigers, consistently ranked among the top 15 programs in the country, entered the match as heavy favorites. Under head coach Lauren Herring, who has built Auburn into a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national scene, the Tigers boasted several standout players. Their deep roster, highlighted by All-American talent and experienced upperclassmen, made them one of the most formidable teams in college tennis.

The Catamounts, ranked lower nationally, were not expected to win the match. However, their goal was to compete fiercely, push their opponents, and leave the match with an understanding of what it takes to play at such a high level.

Doubles Play: Auburn’s Dominance

The match began with the doubles competition, where each team fields three pairs in a race to secure two out of three matches. Doubles play is a critical part of college tennis, as it sets the tone for the rest of the match. For Western Carolina, this was an opportunity to gain an early lead, but they quickly found themselves up against the speed and precision of Auburn’s doubles teams.

Auburn’s No. 1 doubles team, composed of senior All-American Olivia Bryant and sophomore standout Emily Parker, was a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry and communication were flawless, and they quickly overwhelmed the Catamounts’ No. 1 pairing, senior Samantha Brooks and freshman Emma Thompson. The Auburn duo’s aggressive net play and powerful serves broke the Catamounts’ rhythm early, and they secured a quick 6-1 win, giving Auburn the first point of the match.

The second doubles court proved to be just as challenging for Western Carolina. Sophomore duo Mia Reynolds and Jasmine Lee faced off against Auburn’s No. 2 pairing, featuring senior veterans Isabella Pereira and Madison King. While Reynolds and Lee showed flashes of brilliance with solid groundstrokes and some nice defensive plays, Auburn’s experience ultimately shone through. Pereira and King were able to dictate play with their relentless pressure and superb shot-making, securing a 6-2 victory to give Auburn a commanding 2-0 lead in the doubles.

In the third doubles match, the Catamounts’ duo of senior Claire Donovan and freshman Natalie Harris fought hard but ultimately couldn’t keep up with Auburn’s depth. The Auburn team of Lily Jackson and Sophie Taylor played a controlled, strategic game, forcing errors from the Catamounts and using superior court positioning to close out the match 6-3. This final win in doubles gave Auburn a 3-0 lead, and with the Tigers only needing one more point to clinch the overall victory, the focus shifted to the singles matches.

Singles Play: Catamounts Show Grit

With the overall match already decided in Auburn’s favor, the singles contests provided the Catamounts with an opportunity to prove themselves individually. While Auburn’s depth and star power made it difficult for Western Carolina to overcome the deficit, several of the Catamounts’ players showcased their skills and tenacity, making things interesting in key matchups.

No. 1 Singles: Olivia Bryant (Auburn) vs. Samantha Brooks (Western Carolina)

The No. 1 singles match featured the most high-profile battle of the day. Auburn’s Olivia Bryant, ranked among the top 20 players nationally, took on Western Carolina’s senior captain Samantha Brooks, a consistent force for the Catamounts. Brooks, known for her solid baseline game and mental toughness, entered the match hoping to challenge Bryant and prove she could compete with the best in the country.

Bryant, however, quickly showed why she is considered one of the top players in college tennis. Her serve was dominant, and her aggressive baseline play allowed her to dictate points early. Brooks fought hard, often rallying with long, drawn-out exchanges, but Bryant’s power and precision proved to be too much. The Auburn senior secured the win in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, but Brooks showed resilience, never giving up despite the overwhelming challenge.

No. 2 Singles: Emily Parker (Auburn) vs. Mia Reynolds (Western Carolina)

The No. 2 singles match saw Auburn’s Emily Parker, one of the Tigers’ most dynamic players, take on Western Carolina’s Mia Reynolds. Parker, who has been an instrumental part of Auburn’s success in recent seasons, came into the match as a heavy favorite. Reynolds, though, was no slouch. The sophomore from Western Carolina had shown flashes of brilliance last season and was eager to make her mark against a player of Parker’s caliber.

Parker’s experience and consistency were evident throughout the match, as she was able to control the pace of play with her powerful forehand and pinpoint serving. Reynolds hung tough, staying competitive in each set, but Parker’s ability to execute under pressure led her to a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Although Reynolds did not come away with a win, she gained invaluable experience playing against such a high-level opponent.

No. 3 Singles: Isabella Pereira (Auburn) vs. Claire Donovan (Western Carolina)

In the No. 3 singles match, Auburn’s Isabella Pereira faced off against Western Carolina’s Claire Donovan. Pereira, another senior leader for Auburn, is known for her ability to manage the court and keep her opponents off balance. Donovan, meanwhile, had been a steady contributor for the Catamounts in past seasons, relying on her tactical play and ability to find angles on the court.

The match was closely contested in the first set, with both players showing strong serves and competitive rallies. However, as the match wore on, Pereira’s superior conditioning and precision began to take its toll. She broke Donovan’s serve a few times, and with a mix of well-placed shots and consistent defense, Pereira closed out the match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Donovan fought hard but couldn’t capitalize on enough opportunities to score an upset.

Key Takeaways for the Catamounts

Despite the 4-0 loss, the match against Auburn provided several key takeaways that will help the Western Carolina women’s tennis team moving forward.

1. Experience Against Elite Competition: Facing the No. 12 team in the country was a major learning experience for the Catamounts. The Tigers’ combination of depth, skill, and experience was a challenge that helped the Catamounts better understand what is needed to compete at the highest level. Playing against top-tier opponents like Auburn will be invaluable as the team moves forward.
2. Resilience and Mental Toughness: While the Catamounts ultimately lost the match, they showed tremendous resilience throughout, especially in singles play. Players like Brooks, Reynolds, and Donovan fought hard against their higher-ranked opponents, refusing to give up despite the tough circumstances. This mental toughness will serve the team well in future matches.
3. Improved Depth is Key: Western Carolina will need to continue developing their depth in singles play to be competitive against nationally ranked teams. Although their top players showed they can compete, the team’s overall depth needs to improve to challenge high-level programs like Auburn. A stronger supporting cast will make the team more competitive as they face other top teams during the season.
4. Focus on Consistency: Against a team like Auburn, consistency is crucial. The Tigers were able to capitalize on mistakes and convert opportunities with clinical precision. The Catamounts will need to focus on reducing unforced errors and improving their consistency on serve and from the baseline if they hope to make strides this season.

Looking Ahead: The Season Continues

The Catamounts will undoubtedly be disappointed with the loss, but there is no time to dwell on it. The 2025 season is just beginning, and there are many more opportunities ahead for the team to showcase their progress. Matches against other teams in their conference and throughout the season will provide further tests, and the experience gained from playing a team like Auburn will undoubtedly help the team as they continue to improve.