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When Miyuka Kimoto took on Columbia University last February, she was overmatched by Columbia’s Julia Haynes in singles play, losing her first match of the season.

A year later, Kimoto jogged off Court No. 3 at Drumlins Country Club with her fist raised high and an infectious smile. It was a complete 180 of what transpired in Upper Manhattan a year ago.

“Today is a new day, and I know that since she’s a senior, she wanted to get that win under her belt,” Syracuse head coach Younes Limam said. “Last year was a very tough loss for us there, but I’m super proud of (Kimoto).”

Despite an injury-riddled fall where she couldn’t suit up, Kimoto has been the driving force of Syracuse’s undefeated start in the spring. Against a gritty Columbia team, the senior tallied singles and doubles wins. This guided Syracuse (7-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) to defeat Columbia (5-4, 2-1 Ivy League), 6-1.

Alongside Anastasia Sysoeva in No. 1 doubles, Kimoto got off to a fast start. After a Lions’ volley sliced through Syracuse’s duo to knot the score at 30-30, Kimoto and Sysoeva withstood a long Columbia rally to capture the first point.

Although SU took a 2-0 lead, Columbia embarked on a comeback. The Lions’ volley spearheaded them to tie the score 2-2.

Kimoto and Sysoeva relied on their backhands to retake the lead. Kimoto’s backhand has been crucial toward her success this season. Sunday was no different. With the Orange up 4-3, Kimoto drilled one down the singles line and pumped her fist in joy after Columbia couldn’t return it.

With Columbia down 5-3 in the set and 30-15 in the point, Columbia’s Malak El Allami and Fatima Keita watched Sysoeva’s shot sail out of play and tie the game at 30-30. However, Sysoeva and Kimoto won their third straight doubles match together and clinched the doubles point for the Orange.

“I’m really proud of her performance when it came down to the third set, as she stepped up,” Limam said. “She knows that playing aggressive is the kind of brand of tennis she wants to be playing under pressure.”

Kimoto then faced Allami in No. 1 singles. Heading into Sunday, Kimoto was 3-0 on the year in singles play. But Kimoto was stymied by Allami and dropped the set 6-4, which was her second singles set loss of the spring.

Even after Columbia tied the game 1-1, Kimoto’s high-level patience and awareness put Syracuse back on top 2-1. After Kimoto calmed down, the game came to her rather than forcing errant serves and returns.

Up 5-2, Kimoto leaned forward and watched Columbia’s high-arcing shot fall well short and barely scratch the net, capturing the second set.

To begin the third set, Kimoto captured the first game. Syracuse began to pull away soon after and took a 3-1 lead after a tip off the top of Kimoto’s racket fooled Columbia.

The Lions’ momentum began to resurface as several weak shots by Kimoto allowed Allami to pounce and slam a few balls over the net, tying the set 4-4.

Propelled by excellent court vision and focus, Kimoto rallied and beat Allami 6-4 in the final set. The Syracuse bench applauded her in unison as she clinched the team’s victory over Columbia.

“Although she had a bit of a setback with her arm injury last fall, I’m really pleased with how she’s stepping up, playing aggressive tennis and helping her team,” Limam said.

Published on February 16, 2025 at 5:17 pm

sabrod@syr.edu