Women's tennis defeats Cal State Fullerton
By Erin Chambers
Women's tennis rebounded from their loss to nationally ranked Nevada with a 5-2 victory last weekend against Cal State Fullerton. Santa Clara now stands at 3-3 on the season while Fullerton falls to 1-2.
"I thought we came out with good intensity and a strong focus," Head Coach Aby Ryan said. "This win should give us more confidence as we progress through the season."
Strong singles play carried the Broncos as they took five of six singles matches from the Titans. In the number one singles spot, junior Christine Limbers marked an impressive victory over Fullerton's Ana Maria Lacob, shutting out the first set 6-0, then taking the second 6-4.
"Christine competed well after losing a tough match yesterday against Nevada," Ryan said. "Oftentimes it's difficult to stay focused after shutting out the opponent in the firsts e. B but Christine hung in there and played a complete match."
Despite a strong showing in singles, the team started out the day dropping two-of-theee doubles matches, handing the crucial doubles point to Fullerton.
The typically sound Bronco doubles play faltered perhaps due to changes in the line-up. The regular number one pair of Limbers and freshman Janelle Kaloi switched with senior Nicole McCord and junior Mariko Kawakami for the number two spot, while junior Pati Ruiz and sophomore Jenny Siegal were paired up in the number three position.
"We experimented to a certain extent at the top two doubles positions and that came back to bite us a little when we lost the doubles point," Ryan said. "We might look at either going back to what we were doing or making some other changes in lineup in order to give ourselves the best chance to start a match with momentum and win the critical doubles point."
Ruiz and Siegal recorded the only Bronco doubles win against Fullerton, defeating Adriana Hockiko and Jessica Martin 8-6.
The Broncos resume play this weekend with a non-conference match against the Rebels of No. 56 University of Nevada Las Vegas. Led by two-time Mountain West Conference Player of the Week and nationally No. 59 Paulina Janus, competition from UNLV will be tough. The Broslara will have to return to their usual dominance in doubles play as they claim home court advantage against the Rebels this Saturday at the Santa Clara Tennis at 11:00 a.m.Center.