Masha Dolzhenko’s historic run anchors a new era for Lipscomb Tennis

The Lipscomb University women’s tennis program is no stranger to rewriting its own record books. Over the last few seasons, the Bisons have stacked up historic milestones like clockwork, climbing into the national team rankings, dominating longtime conference rivals, and consistently churning out double-digit win seasons.

But what happened at the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships (Oct. 8–14) at the Lindner Family Tennis Center didn’t just add to that resume. It completely elevated the program to the national stage.

For the first time in program history, Lipscomb sent two players to the tournament quarterfinals, spearheaded by a historic, deep-bracket run from senior Masha “Mariia” Dolzhenko, who shattered the school’s previous ceiling to finish as a regional semifinalist.

Breaking the ceiling through joy

Before this week, no Lipscomb player had ever advanced past the Round of 16 in singles at the regional event, a tournament notoriously packed with elite competition.

“We play in a region that has lots of national-level players,” head coach Jamie Aid noted. “We have reached the finals before in ITA regionals in doubles, however, have not been past the round of 16 in regionals in singles. To have both girls make it to the quarterfinals was amazing. Very proud of their efforts!”

The turning point of the tournament, and a defining moment for the program, came in a heavyweight quarterfinal showdown. Facing the tournament’s top seed, Vanderbilt senior Valeria Ray, the nation’s No. 14-ranked singles player, Dolzhenko played flawless, high-stakes tennis to secure a stunning (7-5, 6-4) victory, marking the highest-ranked singles win over an opponent in Lipscomb history.

For Dolzhenko, the historic upset wasn’t about overanalyzing the opponent, but executing a lesson she has been embracing all season.

“It wasn’t my first time playing against her,” Dolzhenko said. “Last time we played it was a three-set match so I already knew what to expect. Honestly, I wasn’t really thinking about the result. I knew it was going to be a good match, and my goal was just to show my best tennis. I knew I was capable of winning, but actually doing it definitely gave me more confidence. It also proved something I’ve been learning lately: when you enjoy what you’re doing, the results will come.”

That mentality mirrors the core culture Coach Aid has cultivated within the program.

“As a program, our desire is simple: be the team that enjoys the game,” Aid said. “We are just here to play a game and give the game the joy it deserves. I believe God has given our girls a talent and it’s up to them to make sure it is paired with the joy that it deserves. When you play free and have fun, good things happen, and I think that’s what allowed the girls to make it so far.”

The road to NCAA Championships

Though her brilliant run was halted in the semifinals by No. 56 University of Kentucky senior Julia Zhu (6-0, 6-1), Dolzhenko’s performance officially places her among the elite in collegiate tennis.

“Masha [Mariia] was one match away from the automatic NCAA bid, and it was so awesome to see her play for that opportunity,” Aid said.

Fortunately, the opportunity is far from over. Dolzhenko’s semifinal finish unlocks a massive chance to participate in the ITA Sectional Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee (Nov. 5–8), where the top talent from the Ohio Valley, Southeast, and Southern regions will collide. Because regional semifinalists are granted high-priority entry into the 32-player Main Draw, Dolzhenko is well-positioned to chase a spot in the NCAA Division I Individual Championships in Athens, Georgia, later in November.

As for her mindset heading into Knoxville? Dolzhenko is keeping it beautifully simple.

“I’m adjusting by not adjusting anything, if that makes sense, haha,” Dolzhenko said with a smile. “I know my tennis is already good, and I’ve figured out that I play my best when I just go out on the court and enjoy what I’m doing without overthinking or overanalyzing everything. So that’s my goal for the rest of the season.”

With senior teammate Deborah Dominguez Collado also hunting for a sectional spot after fighting through the qualifying draws to reach the quarterfinals, the Bisons have become one of the most dangerous and joyful teams in the region.

“Exciting team to watch this year,” coach Aid added. “Hopefully they can be a group that enjoys it fully!”

Featured Image courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics