The University of Massachusetts tennis team earned its fifth straight win on March 22, defeating Ball State 4-3 in Muncie, Indiana. The victory also marked the team’s fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference triumph and gave head coach Juancarlos Nunez his 100th career win at Massachusetts.
This result brings the Minutewomen’s season record to 12-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in conference play. Ball State now stands at 7-6 for the season and is winless in conference matches at 0-2.
Ball State initially took the lead by winning the doubles point, securing victories on courts No. 3 and No. 1. Sydney Hrehor and Asia Ting Fontana defeated Madara Markevica and Martina Pavissich, while Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco overcame Ella Faessler and Renata Farima. The match at No. 2 doubles was tied when doubles play concluded.
Despite trailing after doubles, Massachusetts responded by winning four consecutive singles matches. Amelia Tye won her match against Priyanka Rana, followed by Pavissich’s victory over Tanjuatco. Faessler extended the lead with a win over Alana Bristow, and Farima clinched the decisive point against Jemima Williams-Phillips.
Ball State managed to secure two more singles points in the final matches, but UMass maintained its advantage to close out the contest.
Looking ahead, the Minutewomen will host Northern Illinois on Sunday, March 29 for Senior Day, with play scheduled to begin at noon.
