Shastova Reflects On ITA Regionals Title, NCAA Championship Berth
11/13/2024 12:43:00 PM | Tennis
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Six wins in five days. That's what it took for Serafima Shastova to earn the singles title at ITA New England Regionals.
The sophomore was efficient in reaching the singles final. It took her just 11 sets to win her first five matches at the event, which was contested from Oct. 10-15.
After winning the first set in the final against Boston College's Olivia Benton, Shastova was just one away from taking the title. However, the grueling week of tennis finally began to catch up in the second.
"I felt really tired and exhausted," Shastova recalled.
If 13 sets of tennis wasn't enough for Shastova, she found herself in a 14th as the title match went the distance. Even with the physical wear and tear from a long week, her mentality was as strong as ever entering the deciding frame.
"From the start of the third, the match was 0-0 in my head," Shastova said. "It was like, 'I need to work every point, point-by-point, shot-by-shot, and that's it.'"
Shastova hung tough early in the third with three convincing holds of serve. After seeing a 40-0 lead slip away at 3-3, the sophomore won the deuce point to stay in front. In the very next game, she converted on a deuce point of her own to grab the break and take a 5-3 advantage.
After a pair of dramatic games, there were no theatrics as Shastova served for the match, as she held at love to polish off a hard-fought win and secure the title.
For Shastova, who was running on adrenaline during the final, the title did not sink in right away.
"I needed a couple hours to realize I won," Shastova said. "I think it was in the car on the way back when I realized."
As she had more time to reflect on the win, Shastova said she felt proud of herself for finishing off a demanding week with the title.
"It's exciting to win tournaments. The feeling when you win every match and didn't lose any is amazing," Shastova said. "I feel like my hard work was rewarded."
Not only did Shastova become the fourth Syracuse player to win an ITA Regionals singles title under head coach Younes Limam, she also earned a berth in the singles competition at the NCAA Individual Championships in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 19-24. It will be her first time competing in the event.
Shastova is excited for the opportunity to represent Syracuse at the tournament and to experience such a high level of competition.
"Competing against people who qualified from [ITA] All Americans means a lot," Shastova said. "For me, I'm just working and staying in the present."
In her first season at Syracuse, Shastova has already made a mark this fall. She is 13-1 in singles and will take a 10-match winning streak into the NCAA Championships.
Shastova has found a home with the Orange and is happy to be a part of the program.
"It's been a really positive experience," Shastova said. "All the girls are close to each other. Everyone is hardworking. Our coaches help us and have a plan. I like it a lot."
For all the latest news on the Syracuse tennis program, follow /CuseTennis on Facebook, @CuseTennis on Instagram and @Cuse_Tennis on Twitter.
The sophomore was efficient in reaching the singles final. It took her just 11 sets to win her first five matches at the event, which was contested from Oct. 10-15.
After winning the first set in the final against Boston College's Olivia Benton, Shastova was just one away from taking the title. However, the grueling week of tennis finally began to catch up in the second.
"I felt really tired and exhausted," Shastova recalled.
If 13 sets of tennis wasn't enough for Shastova, she found herself in a 14th as the title match went the distance. Even with the physical wear and tear from a long week, her mentality was as strong as ever entering the deciding frame.
"From the start of the third, the match was 0-0 in my head," Shastova said. "It was like, 'I need to work every point, point-by-point, shot-by-shot, and that's it.'"
Shastova hung tough early in the third with three convincing holds of serve. After seeing a 40-0 lead slip away at 3-3, the sophomore won the deuce point to stay in front. In the very next game, she converted on a deuce point of her own to grab the break and take a 5-3 advantage.
After a pair of dramatic games, there were no theatrics as Shastova served for the match, as she held at love to polish off a hard-fought win and secure the title.
For Shastova, who was running on adrenaline during the final, the title did not sink in right away.
"I needed a couple hours to realize I won," Shastova said. "I think it was in the car on the way back when I realized."
As she had more time to reflect on the win, Shastova said she felt proud of herself for finishing off a demanding week with the title.
"It's exciting to win tournaments. The feeling when you win every match and didn't lose any is amazing," Shastova said. "I feel like my hard work was rewarded."
Not only did Shastova become the fourth Syracuse player to win an ITA Regionals singles title under head coach Younes Limam, she also earned a berth in the singles competition at the NCAA Individual Championships in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 19-24. It will be her first time competing in the event.
Shastova is excited for the opportunity to represent Syracuse at the tournament and to experience such a high level of competition.
"Competing against people who qualified from [ITA] All Americans means a lot," Shastova said. "For me, I'm just working and staying in the present."
In her first season at Syracuse, Shastova has already made a mark this fall. She is 13-1 in singles and will take a 10-match winning streak into the NCAA Championships.
Shastova has found a home with the Orange and is happy to be a part of the program.
"It's been a really positive experience," Shastova said. "All the girls are close to each other. Everyone is hardworking. Our coaches help us and have a plan. I like it a lot."
For all the latest news on the Syracuse tennis program, follow /CuseTennis on Facebook, @CuseTennis on Instagram and @Cuse_Tennis on Twitter.
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