The University of Stirling’s Tennis Men’s 1’s team have triumphed in the BUCS National Championships for the first time in almost a decade.
In a day of intense pressure at the BUCS Big Wednesday showcase event in Nottingham, the Stirling team was able to win enough matches to overcome Bath.
The competition was even in the morning’s doubles matches, but the afternoon saw Rob Cowley, Liam Hignett and James MacKinlay put in show-stopping singles performances to ensure victory for Stirling.
Scott MacAulay, the University’s lead tennis coach said: “I’m over the moon to see our men’s 1s take home such a coveted title for the first time in nearly a decade. Every member of the team deserves credit for the way they have represented themselves and the University.”
The pride was clear to see within the players after such a gruelling day of action. James Mackinlay said: “We had all worked so hard coming into the Championship – it’s what you work towards and you just want to do your absolute best for your team mates. To have come away with a win like this is just incredible.”
Historic Tennis Success Highlighted Despite Narrow Defeats
Unfortunately, the afternoon went the way of Bath in the Women’s 1’s National Championship final. Francesca Franchi and Halle Pringle fought back in the singles after an early lead for Bath in the doubles but Bath were able to see the contest through.
Bath also came out on top in the Men’s Trophy competition between the men’s 2’s, winning four matches to Stirling’s one.
Despite these two narrow defeats, MacAuley was immensely proud of the achievements of all of the players, saying: “This tournament marks the most teams Stirling has ever had in a BUCS final, so getting to this point alone is an incredible achievement.”
“You never know how many chances you will have at a competition at this level as a coach or a player, so you just have to seize the moment and that’s exactly what the students did.”
Featured Image Credit: `Flynn Duggan
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