Women’s Tennis Clinches WCC Tournament Spot for First Time Since 2017-18 Season
Santa Clara women's tennis poses for a picture before their senior day matchup on April 17, 2026. (Provided by Connor Van Alstyne / SCU Women's Tennis)
With their 4-0 senior day win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Santa Clara University women’s tennis has secured the No. 6 seed in the West Coast Conference Tournament. This will be their first appearance in the tournament since the 2017-18 season.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the program that has been steadily rebuilding itself over the past three years with the help of head coach Allie Van Alstyne and assistant coach Connor Van Alstyne.
“It’s been a goal since day one,” said coach Connor Van Alstyne. “So to get here now and to finally be able to show what we’re made of and feel like the spot has been earned in numerous ways just feels amazing.”
The Broncos swept their doubles matchups, immediately asserting their control over the Bulldogs. Daniella Dimitrova ’26, Juliette Krumholz ’28 and Lizanne Boyer ’26 maintained the team’s momentum by winning all three of their singles matches, demonstrating the team’s depth and composure in a high stakes match.
“We were really touched by how physically fit they were and how mentally strong they were,” said coach Allie Van Alstyne, noting the fact that this was the Broncos fourth match in five days.
The day was particularly special for Boyer, who clinched a tiebreaker win to send the team to the conference tournament.
Reflecting on Boyer’s performance, coach Allie Van Alstyne said, “It’s just a testament to all the hard work she and the entire team have been putting in day in and day out.”
While Boyer delivered the final point, coaches noted how this senior class as a whole has been instrumental in Santa Clara’s rise, providing leadership on and off the court. Dimitrova ‘26, who has anchored the top of the lineup, has stood out as a key figure in the team’s development.
“She’s just been such a big part of our journey and a huge leader,” said coach Allie Van Alstyne. “Just the way she carries herself and motivates everybody on the team, from the gym to the practices to the way that she competes.”
This leadership has helped fuel a gradual transformation within the program. Prior to the Van Alstynes’ arrival to the team in 2023, the Broncos endured a winless season. But thanks to the new leadership, the team has grown through a focus on creating a positive culture and trust between players.
“Our philosophy is to have them be proud of themselves by the end of the competition, win or lose, and just put your best foot forward,” said head coach Allie Van Alstyne.
The shift has proved critical during a challenging season that has tested the team’s resiliency. Despite early setbacks, the Broncos remained focused on their long term goals. They finished the season strong, winning three out of their last four conference matchups.
“We just stayed focused and present minded, and I think the ability to do that within this team has given them the belief that they’re able to compete with anyone out there,” said coach Connor Van Alstyne.
Now, as the No. 6 seed in the upcoming WCC Tournament, the Broncos enter the postseason riding this momentum and sense of confidence. They will face the No. 3 seed, Washington State, on Thursday, April 23 at Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, CA.
Regardless of what comes next, the team’s breakthrough has already marked a major turning point for the program.
“We’re really proud of the team culture and the environment that we have at Santa Clara,” Coach Allie said. “It’s a really special place… and we’re really proud of everyone on our team for coming together.”