NEWPORT NEWS, VA (March 22, 2026) -- No. 15 Tufts University closed out the Natalie Pitts Memorial Invitational with a dominant 6-1 victory over No. 35 Haverford College on Sunday morning at Eyre Courts, finishing off a strong three-day showing with control across the singles lineup.
Doubles play opened the match, with Tufts picking up its lone point at No. 3 as Kyra McCandless and Alyssa Khou delivered a commanding 6-0 win. Haverford answered with victories at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles to take a 1-0 lead into singles, setting the stage for a response from the Jumbos.
That response came quickly and decisively once singles began.
Lucy Mitchell evened the match almost immediately with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 1, sparking a stretch of five straight singles victories for Tufts. Moments later, Kyra McCandless continued her strong day with a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 5, giving the Jumbos their first lead of the afternoon.
Rachel Cranley followed with one of the most decisive performances of the day at No. 2, not dropping a game in a 6-0, 6-0 victory to push Tufts within a point of clinching. Ellie Gershaw secured that clinching point at No. 3, battling through a competitive second set to complete a 6-0, 6-3 win and seal the match for the Jumbos.
With the team victory in hand, Tufts continued to add to its margin. Natalie Hu was leading comfortably at No. 4 before her opponent retired with Hu ahead 6-2, 4-0, and Ryan Wuhrman closed out the day with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6.
In all, Tufts won all six singles matches, showcasing depth and consistency from top to bottom. The Jumbos dropped just nine total games across five completed singles courts, a testament to their control throughout the lineup.
Tufts will now get back to New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) play next Saturday, March 28, taking on Hamilton College in Clinton, NY at 1 p.m.
--JUMBOS--
