UMass Women's Tennis Dominates with Back-to-Back Wins

Minutewomen extend winning streak to five matches with victories over Boston University and Hofstra

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Massachusetts women's tennis team continued its impressive start to the spring season, winning back-to-back matches against Boston University and Hofstra. The Minutewomen defeated BU 5-2 in a hard-fought contest before sweeping Hofstra 7-0 at home. Key performances came from senior Ella Faessler, who won crucial singles and doubles matches, and freshman Fiona Ao, who cruised to a straight-set victory.

Why it matters

The Minutewomen's strong start to the season has established them as a force to be reckoned with in women's college tennis. Their ability to win tough matches against in-state rivals like BU and dominate lesser opponents shows the depth and talent of the UMass roster. This early-season success could set the stage for a deep postseason run.

The details

Against BU, the Minutewomen fell behind 2-1 after doubles play, but rallied to win four of the six singles matches, including a thrilling three-set victory by Faessler at the No. 1 court. Faessler also teamed up with Renata Farima for a decisive 6-1 doubles win. Freshman Fiona Ao continued her impressive start, cruising to a straight-set victory at No. 5 singles. The following day, UMass swept Hofstra 7-0, with Faessler and Ao again starring in singles and doubles.

  • The Minutewomen defeated BU on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • UMass hosted and defeated Hofstra on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Ella Faessler

A senior on the UMass women's tennis team who won a crucial three-set singles match against BU and teamed up for a dominant doubles victory.

Fiona Ao

A freshman on the UMass women's tennis team who cruised to a straight-set singles victory against Hofstra, highlighting her poise and maturity as a first-year player.

Gabriella Mikaul

A player for the Boston University women's tennis team who pushed Ella Faessler to the brink in their singles match, taking the first set before falling in three sets.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

UMass will look to extend its winning streak to six matches when they host Stony Brook on February 27 at 3 p.m.

The takeaway

The Minutewomen's dominant start to the season, with wins over tough in-state rivals and lesser opponents, has established them as a force to be reckoned with in women's college tennis. Their depth of talent, led by standout performances from veterans like Ella Faessler and promising young players like Fiona Ao, could propel UMass to a deep postseason run.