The University of Connecticut women’s tennis team ended its season on Apr. 20 following a semi-final defeat to top-seeded Xavier in the Big East Championships held in Caycee, South Carolina. The Huskies had advanced to the semi-finals after an opening round win against Georgetown.
The tournament began positively for UConn as they secured a 4-2 victory over Georgetown. In doubles play, Chloe Lomans and Ela Platenikova won their match against Ashley Kennedy and Paige Gilbert, while Victoria Matos and Madison McLeod also picked up a win for the Huskies. Matos extended UConn’s lead with a singles victory before Georgetown evened the score through wins by Emily Novikov and Liya Chu. Isabella Asenov reclaimed the lead for UConn, and Cameron Didion clinched the match with a comeback win at No. 3 singles.
In the semi-finals, Xavier defeated UConn 4-3 to move on to their seventh consecutive title match appearance. Xavier took an early advantage by winning doubles matches at both No. 1 and No. 3 courts. Abby Nugent added another point for Xavier with a singles win over Platenikova, but Lomans responded for UConn by defeating Rexroat in straight sets.
Xavier’s Clara Owen secured another point after overcoming McLeod in three sets at No. 5 singles despite trailing late in the third set. Matos answered back with her own three-set victory, followed by Asenov who leveled the overall score at three apiece with her come-from-behind effort.
Emily Flowers ultimately clinched Xavier’s spot in the championship match by defeating Didion on court three after dropping the first set but rallying to take the next two sets.
