The Arkansas State women’s tennis team captured its first postseason tournament title with a 4-2 victory over North Alabama at the 2026 UTR Sports NIT Championship on May 7. The Red Wolves finished their season with a record of 16-9, which is their best result since recording a 16-8 finish in 2002.
This win marks an important milestone for the program, highlighting both individual and team achievements. Sophomore Carla Muro Castellvi was named MVP after remaining undefeated in singles play throughout the tournament and securing a doubles win as well.
Head coach Sujay Lama said, “My heart is so full with gratitude to be part of this special team and everyone that has invested so much in our program. I am so happy for these ladies who have worked so hard. Character wins championships and today that was on full display. We are going to enjoy this one and celebrate but we also know this is just the beginning of great things to come. It’s a great day to be a Red Wolf.”
The Red Wolves secured the doubles point by winning matches on courts two and three, giving them an early advantage in the contest. Notable performances included Hanmare McAslin and Meghna Arun Kumar’s win on court three (6-4), along with Sarah Millard and Anna Grigoreva’s success on court two (6-3). In singles play, Muro Castellvi extended the lead before key victories from Arun Kumar and Lilly Cvanciger clinched the championship for Arkansas State.
With this achievement, Arkansas State’s women’s tennis has now posted seven seasons with at least sixteen wins in its history. Over the last two years, they have accumulated twenty-nine victories—the most in any two-year period since tallying thirty between 1999 and 2000.
