By: Mike Belangia
Date: July 18, 2025
Location: Greensboro, NC

On July 17, 2025, the Greensboro Tennis Program (GTP) hosted a historic event — the inaugural Women’s Pro Loboton Match — and it lived up to every bit of its hype. Held under the summer sky in front of a lively crowd, the matchup between the White Tigers and the Black Panthers wasn’t just a competition; it was a statement about the future of Loboton and women’s sports.

A New Era for a New Sport

Loboton, a fast-paced, no-serve tennis-like game, continues to gain traction for its aggressive style and high entertainment value. With 24 rounds per match, sudden-death playoff rules, and team-based dynamics, it blends strategy, athleticism, and drama in a way few sports do.

But this wasn’t just another match. This was the first all-women’s professional Loboton contest, featuring elite collegiate and junior athletes, all of whom brought their own flair, grit, and stories to the court.

The Match: Momentum, Mentality, and a Thrilling Finish

The Black Panthers, led by Coach Damian Gorham, came out firing — with standout performances from Brianna Baldi (Penn St), Emmy Brandow (Radford alum), Gabby Slovak, and Johari Gorham, who all combined raw power with strategic finesse. Early rounds saw the Panthers build a strong lead through aggressive cross-court rallies and sharply placed drop shots.

But the White Tigers, under the calm leadership of Coach Ryan Terrell, found their rhythm midway through the match. Anchored by Oziera — the Greensboro/New Hampshire-based “Loboton Player of the Century” — and rising stars Alyese Boykins and Reese Terrell, the Tigers mounted an inspiring comeback. Alyese, only 15, began dominating the net, while Oziera’s unorthodox tempo and consistency frustrated opponents and flipped the momentum.  Asha Iyengar (Sherwood Swim and Tennis), provided a much needed calmness and enthusiasm to the team.

The 24th round saw the Tigers force an overtime playoff, setting the stage for a 13-point sudden-death finish with all four players from each team on court. The final points were a blur of slicing backhands, full-stretch volleys, and full-throated cheers from fans. While the final score was close, what mattered more was the performance itself — a showcase of what Loboton is and what it could become.

Standout Performances

• Oziera (White Tigers): Cool-headed and consistent, she strung together multiple-point streaks and dictated the pace with her tactical feeds.
  
  
• Brianna Baldi (Black Panthers): Great slice backhand and powerful forehand.  She uses her touch and power to control rallies.
  
  
• Johari Gorham (Black Panthers): A powerful force, she overcame nerves to deliver one of the most aggressive performances of the night.
  
  
• Gabby Slovak (Black Panthers):  Great cross court backhand used to finish points and rounds.

More Than a Match

Beyond the action on the court, the event offered a glimpse into the spirit and community behind Loboton. Coaches encouraged creativity and competitiveness. Players mic’d up during breaks talked about nerves, growth, and love for the game. And the crowd — especially the juniors in attendance — were treated not just to a match but to a movement.

“We’re just actually having more fun out there,” said Brianna Baldi, one of the most dynamic athletes in the match. “We’re obviously yelling and encouraging each other, and not really focused on the result — we’re just focused on making it an entertaining game.”

Coach Gorham likened Loboton to “AAU basketball for tennis,” praising its open, exhibition-style energy and player-first philosophy. Commentators echoed the sentiment, celebrating the game's innovation and crowd engagement.

Looking Ahead

The July 17 match wasn’t just the first of its kind — it was a milestone. It proved that women’s Loboton is here to stay and can captivate with the same intensity, drama, and excellence as any other sport. It also highlighted the strength of the Greensboro Tennis Program, which continues to nurture a pipeline of elite players and host ground-breaking events.

As Loboton grows, this match will be remembered as a pivotal moment — not just for who won or lost, but for the legacy it launched.