Boston College Women’s Tennis Rallies from 3-0 Deficit to Stun UMass in 4-3 Thriller
AMHERST, Mass. - Down 3-0 and staring at a long bus ride back to Chestnut Hill, the Boston College women’s tennis team dug deep and found another gear. In a gutsy comeback effort, the Eagles stormed back to edge UMass 4-3 on Sunday night at the Bay Road Tennis Center - a win that showcased resilience, poise, and a whole lot of heart.
UMass came out firing, taking the doubles point and then quickly adding two more wins in singles to build what looked like a commanding 3-0 lead. But that’s when Boston College flipped the switch.
And it all started at the top.
Benton Sparks the Comeback
Senior Olivia Benton, playing in the No. 1 singles spot, found herself in a hole early - dropping the first set in a tiebreak and trailing 0-2 in the second. But what followed was nothing short of remarkable.
Benton rattled off 11 straight games, completely turning the tide of her match and setting the tone for the Eagles’ resurgence. Her 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2 win over Amelia Tye didn’t just put BC on the board - it injected belief into the entire lineup.
Middle of the Lineup Delivers
With momentum shifting, Leyden Games stepped up next. The sophomore played clean, efficient tennis in the No. 4 spot, dispatching Madara Markevica 6-4, 6-2 to cut the deficit to one.
Then it was Nadia Barteck’s turn. The freshman showed veteran-level composure in her 6-3, 6-1 win over Fiona Ao at No. 5 singles, leveling the match at 3-3 and putting all eyes on Court 6.
Camacho Closes It Out
That’s where freshman Isabella Camacho found herself in a battle. After dropping the first set 5-7, she clawed her way back to take the second 7-5. With the match on the line, Camacho’s opponent, Renata Farima, was forced to retire due to injury - sealing the comeback win for the Eagles.
It was a tough way for the match to end, but Camacho’s fight in the second set was pivotal in keeping BC alive. The freshman showed the kind of grit that coaches love to see from young players in pressure moments.
Doubles Point Goes to UMass
Before the singles drama unfolded, UMass had grabbed early control by winning two of the three doubles matches. The Minutewomen took No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to secure the point, while the top doubles match was left unfinished at 4-4 due to a retirement.
Final Score: Boston College 4, UMass 3
Singles Results: 1.
Olivia Benton (BC) def. Amelia Tye (UMASS) 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2
- Ella Faessler (UMASS) def.
Natalie Eordekian (BC) 6-4, 6-3
3.
Martina Pavissich (UMASS) def. Tola Glowacka (BC) 6-1, 6-2
- Leyden Games (BC) def.
Madara Markevica (UMASS) 6-4, 6-2
5.
Nadia Barteck (BC) def. Fiona Ao (UMASS) 6-3, 6-1
- Isabella Camacho (BC) def.
Renata Farima (UMASS) 5-7, 7-5, retired
Doubles Results: 1.
Games/Cutone (BC) vs. Faessler/Farima (UMASS) 4-4, retired
- Tye/de Oliveira (UMASS) def.
Glowacka/Camacho (BC) 7-5
3.
Pavissich/Markevica (UMASS) def. Cutone/Barteck (BC) 6-2
What’s Next
Boston College (5-1) now shifts its focus to a crosstown showdown with Boston University. The Eagles will host the Terriers on Friday, Feb. 13 in Weymouth, with first serve scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
After Sunday’s comeback, one thing’s clear: this BC squad doesn’t back down when things get tough. And that makes them a team worth watching.