BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State women's tennis team (2-11, 0-10 CIAA, 0-6 North) are set to host Virginia Union (1-9, 1-8 CIAA, 1-6 North) in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Northern Division doubleheader on Tuesday, Apr. 21. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the BSU Tennis Courts in Bowie, Md.

When: Tuesday, Apr. 21 | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Where: BSU Tennis Courts (Bowie, MD)
Follow: Twitter (@BSU_Sports_Info) | Instagram (@BowieStateBulldogs)

Scouting Bowie State
Nakari Blunt continues to lead Bowie State at No. 1 singles and anchors the top of the lineup against top competition. Payton Swinton has been the Bulldogs' most productive player this season, leading the team with four singles wins while providing consistency across multiple flights. Verneice Herndon adds experience in the upper lineup, while Asia Johnson contributes depth in the middle courts.

Mil'lanni Marte has emerged as an efficient option in limited action with a winning record, and Daisy Pentorn rounds out the lower half of the lineup, giving the Bulldogs added flexibility.

In doubles, the pairing of Blunt and Swinton has been Bowie State's most reliable tandem, leading the team with three wins at No. 1. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Bulldogs have struggled to consistently secure the doubles point and will look to improve their early-match momentum.

Last Time Out for the Bulldogs
BSU fell to Virginia State, 6–0, in a CIAA Northern Division matchup on Saturday, Apr. 11 in Ettrick, Va.

The Trojans claimed the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 2, while the No. 3 doubles match featuring Pentorn and Marte went unfinished.

In singles play, Blunt (No. 1) and Swinton (No. 2) led the top flights, with Herndon (No. 3), Johnson (No. 4) and Marte (No. 5) competing across the lineup. The Bulldogs battled throughout, but VSU secured all completed singles matches to earn the team victory.

Scouting Virginia Union
Virginia Union enters the matchup with a 1–9 overall record and a 1–8 mark in CIAA play, with its lone victory coming against BSU on March 24. Despite the record, the Lady Panthers have shown steady development throughout the season and remain competitive, particularly in singles play.

VUU's win over Bowie State highlighted its biggest strength, as the Lady Panthers dropped both doubles matches before responding with a dominant showing in singles to secure the victory. Players such as Briana Velinor, Bethany Himalaya, Maya Mercer and Marianna Brooks have all contributed key singles wins this season.

The Lady Panthers have faced several tough conference opponents, including multiple matchups against Virginia State and Elizabeth City State, along with a late-season contest versus Bluefield State. While many of the team's losses have come by wide margins, several matches have featured competitive sets and long rallies, signaling continued growth and improvement across the lineup.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will await the release of the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Tennis Championship bracket, set to take place Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25, hosted by Virginia State University in Ettrick, Va.

For more information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.