North Alabama Women’s Tennis Rallies to Historic 4-2 Victory Over Middle Tennessee in NIT Opener

The University of North Alabama women's tennis team made history with a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Middle Tennessee in the NIT quarterfinals. Powered by Stanislava Bobrovnikova and Eeva Ristola, the Lions advance to face Charlotte in the semifinals.

 

North Alabama Women’s Tennis Makes History with 4-2 Comeback Over Middle Tennessee in NIT Debut

ROME, Ga. (May 7, 2025) — The University of North Alabama women’s tennis team delivered a historic performance in their first-ever NIT appearance, storming back from an early deficit to defeat Middle Tennessee, 4-2, on Wednesday evening in Rome, Georgia.

 

Facing off in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 UTR NIT Tournament, the Lions dropped the doubles point but rebounded with a dominant showing in singles, notching their first NIT win in program history and their first non-conference postseason victory since moving to Division I.

With the win, UNA improves to 18-5 on the season, while Middle Tennessee ends their campaign at 17-9. The Lions will now face No. 48 Charlotte in the semifinals, scheduled for noon CT.

Key Performers:

• Stanislava Bobrovnikova and Eeva Ristola, the ASUN Doubles Pair of the Year, led the charge with wins in both doubles and singles.

• Senem Ocal delivered a commanding court-five victory.

• Mathilde Delaney clinched the match from court four with a gritty three-set win.

Match Recap:

Middle Tennessee gained early momentum by winning two out of three doubles matches. While Bobrovnikova and Ristola earned a 6-3 win at the top spot, the Blue Raiders secured the doubles point with victories on courts two and three.

In singles play, Bobrovnikova leveled the team score when her opponent, Alessia Truden, retired early in the first set. MTSU answered with a court-six win, putting them ahead 2-1. But from there, the Lions roared back.

Ocal’s swift 6-1, 6-2 win on court five tied things up, followed by Ristola's 7-5, 6-3 triumph on court three. Delaney then sealed the deal with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 comeback over Rutuja Chaphalkar on court four.

Match Score:
North Alabama 4, Middle Tennessee 2

Doubles Results

1. Bobrovnikova/Ristola (UNA) def. Swarbrick/Peyer (MTSU), 6-3

2. Truden/Chaphalkar (MTSU) def. Pruijmboom/Karabacak (UNA), 6-2

3. Sposetti/Conde (MTSU) def. Ocal/Delaney (UNA), 6-3
   Order of Finish: 2,1,3

Singles Results

1. Bobrovnikova (UNA) def. Truden (MTSU), 4-0, retired

2. Karabacak (UNA) vs. Sposetti (MTSU), 6-4, 5-7, 3-1, unfinished

3. Ristola (UNA) def. Peyer (MTSU), 7-5, 6-3

4. Delaney (UNA) def. Chaphalkar (MTSU), 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

5. Ocal (UNA) def. Conde (MTSU), 6-1, 6-2

6. Lim (MTSU) def. Pruijmboom (UNA), 6-0, 6-1
   Order of Finish: 1,6,5,3,4

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As a proud supporter of youth and collegiate tennis, Smy Tennis celebrates North Alabama’s milestone moment—proving once again that commitment and resilience shape champions. From junior courts to NCAA stages, Smy Tennis continues to provide world-class court solutions and equipment to help athletes thrive.