Montana State University’s women’s tennis team won a close 4-3 match against Northern Arizona on April 3 at the Bobcat-Anderson Tennis Center in Bozeman.
The victory was important for Montana State, as it improved their Big Sky Conference record to 2-4 and provided a potential tie-breaker advantage in the race for entry into the Big Sky Championships. The match came down to freshman Lola Bean, who clinched the win by defeating Leontina Stojanovic in straight sets.
Bean said her mental approach was key during the decisive moments. “I was trying to play in the present and focus on the moment and give myself some positive talk to try and make myself believe it,” she said. “I was saying, ‘Believe in yourself and stay calm and everything’s gonna be OK.'”
Lola Bean, along with her sister Angel Bean, contributed two of MSU’s three singles wins. Both sisters also played roles in securing two doubles victories that gave Montana State an early lead. Angel Bean described her mindset during competition: “My goal for today’s match was to enjoy the competition and embrace the pressure,” she said. “And I think it was like dominoes. When I was having fun everything else just came to vision and worked out.”
Head coach Hailey Barrett highlighted how crucial winning doubles points were for setting up success later in singles play. “It was so important,” Barrett said of the doubles win. “So important. And that’s why you stay out there, that’s why you keep fighting. I’m so proud of them for sticking to what they now how to do in the big moments.” She also praised Lola Bean’s discipline: “She trusts herself so much, and (she plays) unconventional, but it’s effective. I’m just so proud of her and how she embraces that.” Barrett added about her team’s perseverance: “All we’ve been talking about is the tougher team is going to win, and I think we toughed it out today… I’m so proud of this team for fighting through the ups and downs.”
The Bobcats will next host their annual Cat-Griz showdown against Montana on Saturday, April 11 at home.
