Following a disappointing 5-2 loss against Brown on Friday, the Massachusetts tennis team responded well with a 4-3 comeback win over St. John’s on Sunday.
The loss to Brown seemed to strike a nerve with the team as they played with high intensity, keeping composure and poise to pull off the impressive comeback win after falling behind early.
“During the match on Friday, we had some chances and opportunities that we were unable to take advantage of, so we were definitely a little disappointed coming out of that,” UMass coach Juancarlos Nunez said. “On Sunday, we were able to learn from our mistakes and come back strong.”
The match certainly did not start the way that the Minutewomen had intended, as St. John’s was able to pull ahead after doubles victories at the number two and three positions.
UMass was able to fight back as senior Ana Yrazusta posted 6-3, 6-1 victories at number two singles. She also contributed with a doubles win at the number one position alongside Laura Moreno, where they battled to a 7-5 decision.
Nunez praised Yrazusta for her dominant performance against Brown, and for how she was able to carry the momentum on to perform well on Sunday.
“It was huge for her confidence and she carried that into Sunday as well,” Nunez said. “She came out very confident in singles, and she took care of business.”
Junior Ruth Crawford also performed well as she found herself battling St. John’s Olaya Inclan Solis at the number one singles. They went back and forth for a while, but Crawford was able to come out on top over Solis, pulling away with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 victory.
Freshman standout Anna Napadiy pulled off the win at the number five singles, sealing the victory for the Minutewomen.
The win over St. John’s brings the team to a 2-2 overall record thus far.
UMass will face LIU Brooklyn (2-1) at home this Saturday, and look to ride the momentum of their last win.
“We just have to keep building on the momentum,” Nunez said. “We are going to have a strong week of practice, but they’re a very good opponent.”
Timothy Flaherty can be reached at [email protected].
