USAFA, Colo. --- The Lobo women’s tennis team opens the 2025-26 season with a trip north to take on several regional opponents in the Bedford Cup in the Mountains, hosted by Air Force.
The tournament is an excellent opener for UNM, and it will allow head coach Vicky Maes to get a good look at a team that is very new. The Lobos return just three players from last year, with two, Marika Matsoukatidi and Bente Vandeputte, playing this weekend. Matsoukatidi gained valuable experience last season, winning nine matches while playing in the three, four, and five singles positions.
Vandeputte was injured and redshirted last year and is looking for a big rebound season. Coumba Ben Niangadou, UNM’s other returner, will not participate in the Bedford Cup.
UNM will have seven newcomers in the tournament, three transfers and four freshmen. Sarah L’Allier from Indiana, Lea Malazdra from VCU, and Ana Veroux from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will all make their Lobo debuts.
Albuquerque natives Vianca and Vivica Corley will get their first action for the Lobos as true freshmen, along with Ramona Petre and Yu Yun “Kathy” Tsai. The Lobos are one of 10 teams that will be playing in the Bedford Cup. Along with UNM and host Air Force, the other schools in the tournament are Colorado, Texas Tech, Wyoming, Denver, Colorado State, Idaho State, Idaho, and Utah State.
Fans can follow UNM’s progress in the tournament via ITA live stats, or check in on Lobo Tennis on social media on X and Instagram.