Scouting Report: VCU vs Fordham University

The VCU women’s tennis team will face off against Fordham University in an Atlantic 10 matchup where VCU will be looking to win its second straight and four of its last five. The match will take place at the Thalhimer Tennis Center here at VCU on Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. Here are some key players to look out for from either team. 

Kyler Gilliam, Staff Writer

Yelizaveta Karlova – The 5-foot-9-inch fourth-year is the only listed senior on the VCU women’s tennis team. Karlova is a two-time All-Atlantic First Team member according to VCU Athletics. Karlova’s tall frame gives her the ability to cover space on the court with ease. Combined with her experience on the court, she is a weapon in both doubles and singles competitions for the Rams. Karlova achieved her first singles victory of the season against Davidson on March 8, helping the Rams achieve their first conference win of the season. Karlova’s experience and past success along with her physical capabilities make her one of the most important players on a young Rams roster.

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer

Tania Isabel Andrade Sabando – The Ecuadorian second-year is a rising star in VCU’s women’s tennis program and had a promising first-year campaign. During the 2023-2024 season, Andrade Sabando posted a 9-9 record in singles playing on courts one and two according to VCU Athletics. On all three courts, she was also victorious in seven doubles matches. Andrade Sabando’s play during the month of January 2024 landed her the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week award on Jan. 23, 2024, according toVCU Athletics. Additionally, this season she was named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team; an accolade giving credence to her formidability as a part of VCU’s squad. 

Fordham

Drew Thompson, Staff Writer

Nevena Kolarevic – Third-year Nevena Kolarevic is undeniably a person to look out for in the upcoming matchup against VCU. Standing out 5 feet, 6 inches tall and hailing from Belgrade, Serbia, Kolarevic has yet to lose a singles match in 2025 at 5-0. Kolarevic is also coming off a recent Atlantic 10 player of the week selection, which was awarded to her March 4, according to Fordham Sports. Prior to her time at Fordham, Kolarevic found success at Illinois State University where she won back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference individual titles in 2022 and 2023 respectively, according to GoRedBirds. Kolarevic has settled in smoothly to Fordham, quickly becoming one of the Rams best players. 

Andrew McGhan, Staff Writer

Lorraine Bergmann – Fourth-year Lorraine Bergmann is a player to look out for in the March 22 matchup. Bergmann is from Forest Hills, New York and currently has a 5-2 record in singles matches this season, according to Fordham Sports. With five wins in singles matches Bergmann is tied for the most wins in singles matches alongside Kolarevic. When Bergmann is paired with Lily Chitambar for doubles matches they have five wins to just two losses, according to Fordham Sports. Bergmann and Chitambar have the best doubles matches record among Fordham’s roster. After attending all four years at Fordham, Bergmann has improved every season, even winning the first match of the A-10 championship, according to Fordham Sports. Bergmann will be a major player for Fordham in both singles and doubles matches.