WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – [CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL] - Barry continued its dynasty, winning the 2025 Sunshine State Conference Women's Tennis Championship with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Nova Southeastern at the Mitch Gornto Tennis Center. The Buccaneers' triumph marks their fifth consecutive SSC tournament title and their 16th overall in program history.
The championship match proved a classic, with momentum swings in both doubles and singles play. Barry secured the crucial doubles point by claiming victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. Viktoriia Dema and Maria Tartarnikova, ranked No. 45 nationally, edged out a thrilling tiebreak win at No. 2 doubles, while Dinara Alloiarova and Alina Michalitsch picked up a convincing 6-2 win at No. 3.
In singles action, the battle intensified. Nova Southeastern quickly struck back with wins at the top two singles spots, as Kristyna Hranacova and Ita Habekovic each earned straight-set victories. The Sharks also picked up another point at No. 4 singles with Isabella Ciancaglini's three-set triumph.
However, Barry's depth proved decisive. Angela Leweurs, ranked No. 32 nationally, rallied for a gritty three-set win at No. 5 singles, and Ailen Crespo came through at No. 6, overcoming an early deficit to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. With the match tied 3-3, Andrea Di Palma dramatically sealed the title for Barry, winning a third-set tiebreaker 7-4 at No. 3 singles.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Awaits
Barry secures an automatic berth to the 2025 NCAA Division II Championships through their SSC title. The NCAA will announce the full field of selections on Monday, May 5. Regional NCAA Championships rounds will occur at non-predetermined campus sites between May 9 and 13. Should Barry advance, they will compete in the national finals scheduled for May 20-24 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Rollins College and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission host this year's finals.