Liberty University’s women’s tennis team advanced to the final of the 2026 Conference USA Women’s Tennis Championship after defeating defending champions Florida International University (FIU) 4-3 in the semifinal round on Apr. 17. The Lady Flames, seeded sixth, will face fourth-seeded Delaware for the title on Saturday.
The win marks a significant achievement for Liberty, as it is their first victory over FIU in program history and comes after two consecutive seasons ending with losses to the Panthers. With this result, Liberty has an opportunity to claim its first-ever conference championship in its 26th season as a program.
Maria Turchetto played a crucial role in securing Liberty’s place in the final. In the deciding match, Turchetto overcame a late deficit and several challenges—including trailing both during her set and tiebreak—to defeat Vittoria Baccino 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (5). Her performance capped off a day where Liberty also won critical doubles matches through pairs Yoanna Radulova and Turchetto at No. 1 doubles (6-1), and Anika Lemus with Candy Wai at No. 3 doubles (6-2).
In singles play, Milana Tsulygina contributed with a straight-set win over Maria Araoz-Gosn (6-2, 6-1), while Celina Joseph added another point by defeating Viktorie Hazmukova (7-6 [5], 6-1). Despite FIU tying up the score through victories from Katerina Mandelikova, Jelena Vico, and Aleksandra Simeva, it was Turchetto’s comeback that clinched Liberty’s advancement.
The Lady Flames have been strong throughout the tournament—winning all three doubles points so far—and have reached their first conference tournament final since losing to FIU in the title match two years ago. They previously swept Delaware earlier this season at home.
Liberty will now aim for its fourth consecutive win of the week—a feat no Conference USA women’s team has accomplished—to secure its maiden championship title.
