In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, the Brandeis University women’s tennis team clinched fifth place at the 2025 University Athletic Association (UAA) tournament. The seventh-seeded Judges triumphed over the fifth-seeded Case Western Reserve Spartans in a closely contested match that ended 4-3. This victory marks Brandeis's best finish since 2019, showcasing their exceptional performance under pressure. The team demonstrated strong doubles play and managed to secure crucial victories in singles matches through strategic gameplay and determination.

The Judges initiated the match by securing the doubles point for the third time during the tournament. Despite an early setback when the Spartans took the second doubles spot with a 6-4 win, Brandeis seniors Anastasia Sia and Cecilia Denis responded fiercely. They claimed a hard-fought 7-5 victory at the third position by breaking their opponents in the final game. At the top doubles slot, juniors Rebecca Suarez and Bhakti Parwani turned around a challenging situation, rallying from being down 4-1 to force a tiebreaker. Their dominance in this critical moment secured a decisive 7-3 win, giving Brandeis the momentum they needed heading into singles.

In singles action, the Spartans initially regained control with three consecutive straight-set victories. However, Suarez, ranked #38 in Division III, showcased her prowess by reversing a deficit against Lily McCloskey, ultimately prevailing in two out of three sets. Meanwhile, Parwani delivered a thrilling performance against Laurel Utterback, overcoming a second-set loss to clinch a dramatic third-set victory, leveling the score at 3-all. The deciding match unfolded between Sia and Elsa Syed, lasting nearly three hours. After trading breaks and navigating multiple set points, Sia executed a brilliant comeback, sealing the third set 6-2 to secure the overall win for Brandeis.

This intense encounter highlighted the Judges' ability to perform under high-pressure situations. With this impressive showing, Brandeis not only achieved their highest UAA finish in years but also positioned themselves favorably for potential NCAA Tournament selections. As the season progresses, both Suarez and Parwani, individually and as a doubles duo, remain hopeful contenders for national recognition. Their relentless spirit and tactical acumen have set a new benchmark for the Brandeis women's tennis program.