The 2026 CIAA Women's Tennis Championships drew to a close for Bermuda’s remaining hopefuls as both Virginia State and Johnson C. Smith fell at the semi-final hurdle.
After a week of high-intensity play that saw three Bermudians feature in the tournament, the dream of a conference title ended in the final four for Alexcie Burrows and Airez Gilbert-Simons.
Alexcie Burrows and her Virginia State University teammates faced a formidable challenge in the form of Shaw University. The Trojans, who had looked ruthless in their quarter-final shut-out, found the tables turned as Shaw delivered a clinical 4–0 victory.
Despite Burrows’ consistent form throughout the campaign, the Trojans struggled to find a foothold in the doubles flight and were unable to mount a comeback in the singles competition before the match was clinched. It brings an end to an impressive season for Burrows, who has been a mainstay for Virginia State at the number five spot.
On the adjacent courts, Airez Gilbert-Simons and the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls were embroiled in a tighter affair against Bluefield State. Gilbert-Simons, who had been instrumental in knocking out compatriot Nadhira Durham in the previous round, once again showcased her resilience.
However, Bluefield State proved just too strong in the decisive moments, securing a 4–1 win to book their place in the final. The result marks a bitter end to a promising postseason for Gilbert-Simons, who has emerged as a key leader for the Golden Bulls this year.
While the championship concludes without a Bermudian lifting the trophy, the 2026 tournament has highlighted the growing influence of the island’s talent on the collegiate circuit.
With Burrows, Gilbert-Simons, and Durham all reaching the business end of the championships, the future of Bermudian tennis in the CIAA remains exceptionally bright. The trio will now turn their focus toward the off-season, looking to build on a year that saw them firmly established among the conference's elite.
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