The Massachusetts women’s tennis team won back-to-back meets against Boston University and Hofstra, continuing its dominant run to start the spring. The Minutewomen (6-1) started the weekend in Boston to face the Terriers (3-5), then hosted the Pride (1-4) at UMass on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Minutewomen team faced off against in-state rival BU. In one of its toughest competitions of the young season, UMass defeated the Terriers 5-2 to extend its winning streak to three meets.
The meet finished in spectacular fashion, with BU’s Gabriella Mikaul pushing Ella Faessler to the brink at court one. After Mikaul took the first set 6-3, the South Carolina native rallied back to take the second set 6-4 in a fluid display of shot-making and volleying.
As the third set dragged on at court one, the Minutewomen won out at three of the other five courts, with Pavissich, Renata Farima and Fiona Ao all turning in hard-fought victories. With UMass leading 3-2, all the pressure was on Faessler to end the match in a sweep for the Minutewomen.
Neither Mikaul nor Faessler gave any ground in the third. The UMass senior took a game with vicious forehands and shrewd volleys, and then was countered in the next by the accurate placements of her Terrier opponent. Deadlocked, the third set went into a tiebreaker, where an exhausted Faessler prevailed to take the set and the game, as well as the meet for the Minutewomen.
Dominant doubles play set up this winning match for UMass, with Amanda de Oliveira and Amanda Tye making quick work of their opponents, 6-1. A similarly authoritative win by Martina Pavissich and Madara Markevica, also 6-1, spelled out a doubles win for the Minutewomen.
On Sunday, UMass continued its winning streak, hosting Hofstra at the Bay Road Indoor Tennis Center. The Minutewomen delivered an outstanding performance, sweeping the match by capturing every game in both singles and doubles play. Due to its dominant play, UMass closed out each match in two rather than needing the full three sets.
At court two, senior Faessler fulfilled a compelling presentation during her singles matchup. Faessler’s composure was tested early as the opening set proved to be a battle. The senior was able to edge out her competitor with a tight 7-5 first-set victory. With the momentum in her favor, Faessler elevated her play in the second set. What began as a grind quickly turned into a showcase of power, as she surged to a commanding 6-0 finish to seal the straight-set win.
Faessler’s strong showing in singles was no surprise, as she had already set the tone earlier during doubles play. Partnering with Farima, the duo controlled court one with confidence and chemistry. The pair worked seamlessly together, communicating effectively and capitalizing on key points to keep the pressure on from the start. Their aggressive net play and serves allowed them to cruise to a decisive 6-1 victory.
Ao, a freshman, continues to stack impressive performances early in her collegiate career. Competing at court five, Ao wasted no time delivering a flawless 6-0 sweep in the opening set. Her shot selection and steady composure kept her opponent on the defensive from the very first serve.
Ao carried that strength into the second set, maintaining control of the rallies and dictating the pace of play. While the Pride got on the board, Ao did not allow the match to shift, confidently closing it out with a 6-1 finish.
The straight-set victory highlights the poise and maturity brought to the lineup despite being a first-year player. She is already consistent and a reliable force for the Minutewomen.
UMass will look to extend its winning streak against Stony Brook on Feb. 27 in Amherst at 3 p.m.
Ashley Son can be reached at [email protected]. Coleman Smith-Rakoff can be reached at [email protected]
