The University of Massachusetts tennis team battled fiercely against Miami (OH) in the Mid-American Conference semi-finals, but fell 4-3 Saturday. The RedHawks (9-14, 4-4 MAC) pushed the Minutewomen (16-5, 7-1 MAC) to their limits, ultimately defeating them in a match defined by narrow margins and momentum swings from start to finish.
With the overall match score tied, all eyes turned to court one, where the semi-final hinged on a final singles clash between senior Ella Faessler and Miami’s Maria Luisa Oliveira. Faessler came out strong, edging a tense first-set tiebreak 7-6(3), showcasing her composure under pressure.
The RedHawks responded in the second set, grinding out a 7-6(5) victory to force a decisive third. Oliveira found another gear, capitalizing on key opportunities and maintaining intensity to pull away late and secure the 6-3 win.
The three-set thriller not only decided the individual match but sealed the overall victory for Miami (OH), ending UMass’ season. Despite the loss, the Minutewomen showed competitiveness throughout, pushing the match to its limits in a contest that could have gone either way.
Across the remaining singles courts, the matchup was intense as every point carried heightened significance. Miami’s Allie Faulkner delivered one of the more commanding performances of the day against Martina Pavissich, while Duru Baycan countered with an equally assertive showing to keep UMass firmly in contention.
The Minutewomen continued to rely on depth and composure, with Madara Markevica stepping up in a pivotal moment to earn a hard-fought win over Maria Komar. Still, the RedHawks matched that intensity, highlighted by freshman Evelyn Risner, who showcased resilience by battling against UMass’ Renata Farima in a physically and mentally demanding three-set duel, ending the match with a score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The collective effort on both sides underscored the thin margin separating the teams, as each lineup demonstrated depth, grit and an ability to respond under pressure.
Graduate student Farima, and senior partner Faessler turned in a composed and hard-fought doubles performance to secure a win. The experienced duo battled through a tight set, staying steady under pressure as both sides exchanged holds and neither team built a comfortable lead.
As the set progressed, Farima and Faessler elevated their play with smart shot selection and steady communication to swing momentum their way. Their strong net play and ability to take advantage of small openings proved decisive down the stretch, allowing them to close out a 7-5 victory, securing a doubles point.
Pavissich and Markevica showed exceptional resilience and poise in their doubles match, battling through long rallies and intense pressure to secure a key point for the Minutewomen. With neither side able to gain a clear advantage, Pavissich and Markevica elevated their play at the end with sharp network and consistent returns to clutch the 7-6 win for UMass.
Facing Miami’s sophomore Avery Voss, Fiona Ao remained engaged in every rally and continued to pressure points with steady baseline play and determination. The opening set was narrow, with Ao battling through extended exchanges and staying within reach deep into the frame before dropping the set 7-5. The freshman continued to compete at a high level in the second set, pushing points and forcing Voss to work for every point.
The set ultimately ended 6-3 in Voss’ favor, but Ao’s efforts and intensity never faded, proving she will grow to be a resilient player as she continues to grow with the Minutewomen.
The Minutewomen established themselves as one of the premier teams in the MAC, finishing with an impressive record of 7-1 within the conference. Their consistency and ability to compete in high-pressure moments defined a season that sets a strong foundation moving forward, even as their 2026 road comes to an end.
Ashley Son can be reached at [email protected].
