Aviles Makes History with ITA Regional Championship
Sumter, SC (09/29/2026) — USC Sumter women's tennis standout Martina Aviles etched her name into the Fire Ants record books this weekend, capturing the ITA Regional Singles Championship and becoming the first female player in USC Sumter history to win an ITA Regional singles title.
The championship marks a historic achievement for the program and makes Aviles just the second player in Fire Ants tennis history, men's or women's, to claim an ITA Regional singles championship.
Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, Aviles put together a dominant run through the bracket, winning her first three matches in straight sets before rallying from a set down in the championship match to secure the title.
Aviles opened the tournament with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 victory over Amber Langendries of Coastal Alabama in the Round of 16. She followed with another impressive performance in the quarterfinals, defeating Isabella Canedo of Coastal Alabama 6-3, 6-0.
The Fire Ants sophomore continued her dominant play in the semifinals, defeating Yu Lin of Oxford Emory 6-1, 6-0 to advance to the championship match.
In the final, Aviles faced Rachel Blais of Oxford Emory, a familiar opponent who had narrowly defeated her in a close match last spring. The championship showdown initially appeared headed in Blais' favor as she claimed the opening set 6-1. However, Aviles demonstrated the resilience and determination battling back to win a hard fought second set 7-5 before taking complete control of the deciding set for a 6-1 victory and the regional crown.
Following the championship, Aviles reflected on her performance and the support she received throughout the event.
"My experience in this tournament was excellent. Honestly, I felt I was playing at a high level. The matches were tough, but I managed to pull through. I am grateful to the whole team and to my coach for the support during the most difficult moments. It was truly a great weekend that gave me an incredible feeling, and I am so happy to take home the singles title."
The regional championship now earns Aviles a berth in the ITA Cup, which will be held in Rome, Georgia, in October, where she will compete against many of the nation's top collegiate players.
USC Sumter Director of Athletics Dr. Adrienne Cataldo praised Aviles' accomplishment and the significance of the milestone for the program.
"Martina's championship is a historic achievement for USC Sumter Tennis," Cataldo said. "To become the first female player in program history to win an ITA Regional title speaks to her work ethic and competitive spirit. Her resilience in the championship match was incredible, and we are excited to see her represent USC Sumter at the ITA Cup in October."
The title adds another chapter to the rich tradition of USC Sumter tennis excellence. The Fire Ants women's program has qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament every year since 2017, and Aviles' historic championship further reinforces the program's status among the nation's premier junior college tennis programs.
Martina Aviles' ITA Regional Results
Round of 16: def. Amber Langendries (Coastal Alabama), 6-2, 6-0
Quarterfinals: def. Isabella Canedo (Coastal Alabama), 6-3, 6-0
Semifinals: def. Yu Lin (Oxford Emory), 6-1, 6-0
Championship: def. Rachel Blais (Oxford Emory), 1-6, 7-5, 6-1
With four consecutive victories, a historic regional championship, and a trip to the ITA Cup now ahead, Aviles has firmly established herself as one of the top players in the region and one of the most accomplished athletes in USC Sumter tennis history.
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Matina Aviles has become the first female player in USC Sumter history to win an ITA Regional singles title.
University of South Carolina Sumter
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