The Massachusetts women’s tennis team has gotten off to one of its most exciting starts in program history, and its campaign was bolstered by another strong showing at a premier event last weekend at the ITA Northeast Regionals in Hanover, New Hampshire.

The Minutewomen exceeded their own expectations for the event, as they were able to have three different teams qualify for the main draw of the tournament before facing defeat in the round of 16.

“Our biggest takeaway from this event was reaffirming that our No.1 player Ana Yrazusta has the ability to compete as one of the top 15 players in the Northeast,” coach Judy Dixon said. “Seeing a member of your team compete at such a high level brings a whole new level of energy to the squad.”

Yrazusta entered singles competition with a bye in the Round of 128, going head-to-head against the No.3 ranked Kristina Mathis of Dartmouth. Yrazusta was able to piece together a statement win, blowing past Mathis in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to reach the Round of 32.

The Spanish phenom ran into some trouble in the next round against Madeline Hamilton of Yale, ranked No.17 in the draw.

After dropping her first set 6-3, a determined Yrazusta was able to punch her ticket into the next round by winning two straight sets by margins of 6-0 and 6-3.

UMass also saw junior Anna Woosley qualify for the Round of 64 in singles competition, after Woosley clinched two straight set wins over Syracuse’s Maria Tritou and St. John’s Steph Elgegren.

Woosley bowed out in the Round of 32 following a tough loss to Valeria Salazar of Syracuse in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4.

“When Woosley plays with confidence, she can be one of the most dynamic players on the court, unfortunately a little lapse in concentration ended her run,” Dixon said.

Yrazusta looked to continue her run among the best players in the Northeast, but was dealt a loss in the Round of 16 at the hands of No.1 ranked Anna Shkudun from Syracuse in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-3.

“Ana lost to the top player from Syracuse, a girl who has played in the WTA tour, so she has nothing to be upset about,” Dixon said.

UMass’s dynamic doubles pair of Yrazusta and junior Carol Benito found their stride over the weekend competition as well, advancing to the Round of 16 after two wins.

Their next match pitted them against Penn’s Kana Daniel and Sonya Latycheva, a back and forth affair that the Minutewomen would eventually lose 8-6.

The ITA Northeast regionals are always some of the toughest tests for Dixon’s squad, as the best players from all around the Northeast region square off in an event featuring over 40 schools.

“I was proud of the way we handled ourselves out there, fighting hard and playing with the understanding that we can hold our weight against the big dogs,” Dixon said.

The Minutwomen now head into a two-week break before the Big Green Invitational, their last event of the fall season.

After four days of match play, Dixon offered a day off from practice to her squad, yet none of them took her up on the offer.

“I wanted them to rest after the invitational, but the look in their eyes said that these girls won’t stop grinding until the season is over,” Dixon said.

The Big Green Invitational will be held Nov. 6-8 at the Boss Tennis Center, also in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Chris Martinez can be reached at [email protected].