Top-Five Upset Anchors Sakura Stula’s ITA Conference Masters Consolation Run

Thursday, November 5

Rome, Ga.

DePaul University

Intercollegiate Tennis Association

11/9/2026 9:32:00 AM | WOMEN'S TENNIS

Sasha Sakura Stula reaches consolation draw semifinals

ROME, Ga. – Sasha Sakura Stula capped a resilient run as the BIG EAST women's singles representative at the 2026 ITA Conference Masters Nov. 5-8, reaching the consolation semifinals with a straight-set upset of a top-five seeded opponent.

"Sasha competing at the ITA Conference Masters was a great way to end our fall season," said head coach Marisa Arce. "It's no question Sasha can compete and win against the best of college tennis. The support from afar with the rest of the team is what makes our group so special. We know exactly what we need to work on to keep improving."

After dropping a tough 6-2, 7-5 main draw battle on Thursday, Nov. 5 to Florida International's Sophia Fernandez Figueras, Sakura Stula bounced back with authority, dropping just 11 games over two matches on her way to the consolation bracket semifinals on Friday, Nov. 6.

Sakura Stula opened her consolation run on Thursday with a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory over Norfolk State's Julia Daroszewska.

Carrying her momentum into Friday's competition, the senior faced Furman's Lillie Murphy, the ITA Conference Masters' tournament No. 5 seed. Sakura Stula lost just five games, defeating Murphy in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.

Sakura Stula's ITA Conference Masters campaign came to an end in the semifinals later that day with a tough three-set loss to eventual consolation bracket winner Sofia Maria Barbulescu (Richmond). Sakura Stula took the opening set 6-3 before Barbulescu rallied to capture the final two sets (6-3, 6-1) and advance.

With her pair of victories in Georgia, Sakura Stula moved to an 8-5 overall singles record to wrap up the 2026 fall season.

2026 ITA Conference Masters Results:

Thursday, Nov. 5
R32- Sophia Fernandez Figueras (FIU) def. Sasha Sakura Stula (DPU), 6-2-7-5
C-R16- Sasha Sakura Stula (DPU) def. Julia Daroszewska (NSU), 6-4, 6-1

Friday, Nov. 6
C-QF- Sasha Sakura Stula (DPU) def. No. 5 Lillie Murphy (FU), 7-5, 6-1
C-SF- Sofia Maria Barbulescu (UR) def. Sasha Sakura Stula, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1

Next Up
DePaul opens the 2027 dual season on Jan. 16 with a trip to Fort Myers, Fla., clashing with Florida Gulf Coast University.

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