CU Buffs lose to Tulsa in NIT championship game – Boulder Daily Camera

The Colorado women’s tennis team’s impressive postseason run came to an end with a heartbreaking 4-2 loss against Tulsa in the NIT championship match. Despite victories at the top three singles spots by Aya El Sayed, Elys Ventura, and Mila Stanojevic, Tulsa managed to clinch the title by winning at the bottom three singles spots.

Sayed and Pia Rebec secured a victory at No. 1 doubles for CU, but Tulsa emerged victorious at the other two spots. Alex Abyasova stepped in at No. 3 doubles as an injury replacement for Ema Bubalo, partnering with Anya Nelson.

Playing in scorching 90-degree temperatures, the Buffaloes had advanced to the championship match with a 4-1 win against Liberty in the semifinals. This marked CU’s second consecutive NIT appearance and the first time the program had back-to-back postseason berths since the late 1990s.

Head coach Anthony Pham expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging Tulsa’s resilience in the final match. Despite falling short of the title, Pham commended his players for their effort and determination throughout the season.

The Buffs finished the season with a 14-11 record, with seniors Elys, Ellie, and Alex leaving a lasting impact on the program. While the loss was disappointing, the team can take pride in the foundation they have built and the progress they have made in recent years.