The Middlebury women's tennis doubles team, comprising Nina Farhat and Sahana Raman, achieved a remarkable runner-up finish at the NCAA Individual Championships in Claremont, California. As the top-seeded pair, they faced off against Babson College's Matia Cristiani and Olivia Soffer in the finals but ultimately fell short with scores of 6-2, 6-2. This performance capped an impressive season for the Panthers, who demonstrated exceptional skill throughout their journey.
Farhat and Raman's road to the championship match was filled with intense competition. In the round of 16, they triumphed over Gustavus Adolphus College's Karina Elvestrom and Kaya De Bruijn with scores of 6-2, 6-3. Their quarterfinals clash against Emory University's Izabele Antanavicius and Iris Berman proved challenging yet rewarding, resulting in a hard-fought victory of 7-6 (1), 6-3. The semifinals saw them prevailing against Angie Zhou and Marissa Markey from Pomona-Pitzer with scores of 6-2, 7-5.
In addition to their final match setback, the duo showcased resilience and talent throughout the season. They accumulated a total of 20 wins out of 23 matches played. Individually, Sahana Raman ended her career with an outstanding doubles record of 99-30, while Nina Farhat concluded her collegiate tenure with a commendable mark of 72-16. These accomplishments highlight their significant contributions to Middlebury's tennis legacy.
Beyond their final match result, Farhat and Raman leave behind a legacy defined by excellence and dedication. With a combined seasonal record of 30-4, including two notable winning streaks of 17 and eight matches respectively, they have set a high standard for future Middlebury athletes. Their journey through the NCAA championships exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and teamwork that defines competitive collegiate sports.
