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WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Boston University women’s tennis team concluded their fall season on a strong note at the ITA Patriot League Masters Qualifier this past Sunday, with standout performances from sophomore Uma Bakaityte and freshman Gabriella Mikaul.
Bakaityte showcased her remarkable skills by advancing to the finals of the singles draw, triumphing over formidable competitors from Colgate, Loyola, and Army West Point. In a thrilling finals match that spanned three intense sets, Bakaityte fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, missing the chance to secure a spot in the prestigious ITA Conference Masters.
Mikaul and Bakaityte also made headlines by reaching the finals in the doubles draw. The dynamic duo displayed synergy as they overcame their opponents from Bucknell and Army West Point, both matches concluding with a convincing score of 6-3. Their journey brought them face-to-face with Navy in the finals, where they battled hard but ultimately succumbed in a closely contested match that ended 6-4.
In addition to the doubles action, Mikaul excelled in the singles draw, where she advanced to the quarterfinals after a decisive victory against her opponent from Lafayette. However, she faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals, losing in a competitive three-set match to a skilled player from Navy.
BU will regroup and return to action in the spring for the regular season, building on the experiences and growth from the fall competition.
SINGLES
Uma Bakaityte (3-1)
def. Addie Eklund (Colgate) 6-1, 6-3
def. Christine Richiez (Loyola) 6-1, 6-3
def. Emma Sy (Army) 6-3, 7-5
loss to Emily Tannenbaum (Navy) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
Gabriella Mikaul (1-1)
def. Alyssa Perdomo (Lafayette) 6-1, 6-1
loss to Emily Tannenbaum (Navy) 3-6, 6-0, 6-0
DOUBLES
Bakaityte/Mikaul (2-1)
def. Whitney King/Abigail Platt (Bucknell) 6-3
def. Paige Herremans/Jackson Cooper (Army) 6-3
loss to Parvathi Shanker/Emily Tannenbaum (Navy) 6-4
**Interview with Boston University Women’s Tennis Coach, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Thompson. The Boston University women’s tennis team had a fantastic showing at the ITA Patriot League Masters Qualifier. Can you share your thoughts on the team’s performance?
**Coach Thompson:** Absolutely! I’m incredibly proud of our athletes. Both Uma Bakaityte and Gabriella Mikaul played exceptionally well. Uma’s journey to the finals is a remarkable achievement, and it really showcases her dedication and talent.
**Editor:** What do you think contributed to Uma’s success in this tournament?
**Coach Thompson:** Uma’s success can be attributed to her strong work ethic and focus. She’s been training hard and refining her game, and it’s paying off. Her strategic play and mental toughness were evident throughout the tournament, especially in high-pressure situations.
**Editor:** Gabriella Mikaul also had a noteworthy debut. How do you see her progressing as a freshman?
**Coach Thompson:** Gabriella has a lot of potential. As a freshman, she’s shown incredible promise and adaptability on the court. It’s exciting to see how quickly she’s growing and contributing to the team’s overall performance. She brings a lot of energy and passion, which is contagious.
**Editor:** What does this tournament result mean for the team as you look ahead to the spring season?
**Coach Thompson:** This tournament has given us great momentum going into the spring. The experience gained here will be invaluable as we face tougher competition. I believe this is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing how both Uma and Gabriella continue to develop.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Coach Thompson. Best of luck to the team as they continue their journey!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
The singles draw?
**Coach Thompson:** Uma has been working tirelessly on her game since earlier matches this season. Her ability to adjust her strategy mid-match, particularly her resilience in overcoming early deficits, played a crucial role. Not only does she possess great technical skills, but her mental toughness really shone in those high-pressure moments.
**Editor:** It’s clear that teamwork has been instrumental, especially in doubles. Can you elaborate on the chemistry between Uma and Gabriella?
**Coach Thompson:** Of course! Uma and Gabriella have developed a fantastic rapport on and off the court. Their communication is excellent, and they understand each other’s playing styles really well. This synergy allowed them to execute effective plays and build momentum throughout the tournament. It’s a joy to watch them work together.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the team as they head into the spring season?
**Coach Thompson:** Our primary goal is to build on the experiences we’ve gained this fall. We want to focus on the areas where we can improve, especially in those critical moments of tough matches. It’s all about developing our skills, growing as a team, and preparing mentally for the level of competition we will face in the spring.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Thompson. We look forward to seeing how the team evolves and performs in the upcoming season!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! We’re excited for what lies ahead!
