by Meg Kelly, Athletic Communications

Lily Burchell flicked her wrist five times, shuttling a branded Navy tennis ball between her grip and gravity, wound up and fired it across the court.
 
The return went into the net, sealing the Boston University women's tennis team's fifth Patriot League championship with a 4-3 victory over the Mids on Sunday.
 
Burchell pumped her fists and let out a cathartic cry that was four years in the making.
 
After congratulating her opponent, she hugged volunteer assistant coach Marc Maloney and asked, "Did we win?"
 
"Yeah," he quipped. "Now go hug your teammates."
 
The senior captain barely had time to turn around before the team enveloped one another and the celebration was on.
 
This year's championship was special for extra reasons, and even more so for the senior class.
 
Four of the six seniors arrived on campus in the fall of 2017 looking to make an impact on a program that has just won its fourth straight Patriot League title.
 
That freshman season nearly brought the fifth straight championship, though the team lost 4-3 to Army in the semifinals and saw the exact same result the following season in the title match.
 
BU and Army were on a collision course to match up again in 2020, but the remainder of the season was cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
"We went into freshman year knowing how well the team did before," started fellow captain Emily Kim. "I think after not winning out first two years, our junior year we were so excited and then COVID hit. I think it made this year even more special, we were extra motivated to get it."
 
The Terriers remained driven throughout the fall, and even when the fall portion of the schedule was canceled, the team grew closer.
 
"The unprecedented times allowed us to bond more as a team," reflected Burchell. "The team chemistry really impacted the results. In the past, we've had good team chemistry, but I think we were able to build on it this year."
 
"It really came down to the every day," said Kim on building chemistry. "Being supportive, having a positive attitude at practice. We tried to do things outside of practice together. It wasn't so much as a huge effort, but more of the little things each day."
 
With each passing day, the fog lifted on uncertainty of the spring season, and a eight-match schedule was assembled.
 
"With everything that happened last year we just got used to rolling with whatever would come because everything was so uncertain," said Dani Blaser. "It taught us to be flexible and adapt. We did what we could with what we knew we'd be able to do."
 
In those eight matches, the Terriers concluded the regular season with a 7-1 record and entered the Patriot League Tournament as the top seed.
 
The senior class would have one last chance to cement its legacy as champions.
 
"I think it makes you very grateful for the opportunity," Katya Martens commented. "You just go out there and you play almost fearlessly."
 
BU dominated the first two rounds, earning 4-0 outcomes over both Lafayette and Bucknell to return to the championship stage, where it would meet up with Navy.
 
The Mids, who hosted the tournament, fed off the momentum of home-court advantage to take the doubles point.
 
The Terriers regrouped heading into singles, knowing that this year's team was special and there was history to be written.
 
"When you're competing together for one goal, one purpose, everyone is on the same page," said Martens.
 
BU's freshmen Victoria Carlsten and Kaitlin Tan started the rally with wins to even the match at 2-2. Sophomore Erica Di Battista drained her opponent for the Terriers' third point, leaving the fate of the championship to Burchell and Kim, who remained in closely-contended matches.
 
Burchell's result provided to be the decisive point, as the six seniors finally celebrated what they set out to accomplish when setting foot on Comm Ave.
 
While there is still history for this year's team to make, as it prepares for its 18th NCAA Tournament appearance at LSU, the seniors' attitude might be the ultimate heritage the class leaves behind.
 
"I want this attitude to carry over into next year," affirmed Burchell. "Even with things hopefully returning to normal next year, I still want people to appreciate it as much as they can."