Kaitlyn Mang ’23 faced Meghna Bukkapatnam ’23 in the tennis match of a lifetime this past weekend as the Berkeley tennis team traveled to England to partake in a tournament. Both Mang and Bukkapatnam were prepared not only physically, but also mentally for the match; however, nothing could have prepared them for the conditions they were about to face. Rather than the traditional grass court that is typically played on during the Wimbledon tournament, the ladies were expected to compete on a surface of crushed Skittles. Furthermore, Mang and Bukkapatnam were shocked when they stepped on the court and realized that the surface was sticking to their shoes. 

After long-winded disputes with the umpires as well as a multitude of custodians, Mang and Bukkapatnam decided that they would not compete in the match. In order to make Mang and Bukkapatnam feel better about not being able to compete in the tournament, Berkeley students and faculty raised money to send them to Zoo Tampa (formerly Lowry Park Zoo) when they got home.  While at the zoo Mang explored various exhibits such as the reptile and marine life displays before heading to the restroom; however, she never made it to the restroom as on her way there she was attacked by a monkey who had escaped confinement. In response to the attack the monkey was tranquilized and Mang was rushed to the hospital with minor injuries such as bite wounds and scratches. Luckily Bukkapatnam remained unscathed and accompanied Mang to the hospital. Moreover, Mang will be returning to campus April 5th so make sure to give her a warm welcome back.