SMU women’s tennis falls 4-2 to No. 3 North Carolina, but freshman Amelie Van Impe stuns top-ranked Reese Brantmeier in dominant fashion.
DALLAS - SMU women’s tennis didn’t walk away with the team win Sunday in Dallas, but it absolutely delivered a statement.
In a 4-2 loss to No. 3 North Carolina, freshman Amelie Van Impe took down the No. 1 player in the nation, Reese Brantmeier, in straight sets - and did it convincingly.
Facing the top-ranked singles player in college tennis, Van Impe dismantled Brantmeier 6-1, 6-2 on court one, flashing poise beyond her years.
The freshman controlled rallies, attacked early, and never allowed the match to settle into a rhythm favorable to the Tar Heel star.
For SMU women’s tennis, it was the kind of marquee win that resonates nationally ... even in defeat.
The Mustangs, ranked No. 30, were battling their third straight top-20 opponent and showed fight from the start. After dropping the first doubles match, Van Impe and Caroline McGinley responded with a sharp 6-2 victory to remain unbeaten at 8-0 in doubles this spring.
Addison Comiskey and Ellie Mireles then clawed back from a 5-2 deficit to win five consecutive games, sealing the doubles point with a 7-5 finish.
That early momentum gave SMU a 1-0 edge heading into singles, and Van Impe quickly stretched it to 2-0 with her upset of Brantmeier.
But North Carolina’s depth eventually tilted the afternoon. The Tar Heels captured four consecutive singles matches on courts four, six, three, and two to clinch the dual match.
Ellie Mireles was locked in a tight battle on court five, leading 6-3, 5-5 when play was halted.
SMU now sits at 7-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, but the competitiveness against elite programs is undeniable. The Mustangs head back on the road to face Boston College and Syracuse next week, carrying momentum from a freshman who just proved she belongs on the biggest stage.
The loss stings. The message doesn’t. SMU women’s tennis can hang with anyone.