Women’s tennis serves defeat to Washington State CougarsBy Hye
Kwon
Daily Bruin Staff
Like a freight train slowly building momentum, the UCLA women’s
tennis team methodically dismantled yet another one of its
early-season opponents last weekend at the Los Angeles Tennis
Center. The latest victim was Washington State, an 8-0 loser to the
Bruins on Saturday.
To add insult to the Cougars’ injury, No. 7 UCLA (2-0 overall,
1-0 Pacific 10) didn’t even have to use its best lineup, as its top
player Keri Phebus sat out and watched her teammates secure the
victory.
Senior Paige Yaroshuk, who filled in for Phebus at the top
singles spot for the second consecutive match, was nearly
unstoppable, as she defeated Marcia Senn 6-1, 6-0. In her last two
singles matches, Yaroshuk has given up just one game to the
opposition.
"Paige is doing the things that I’d always expected of her,"
UCLA head coach Bill Zaima said. "She’s worked very hard for five
years to put herself in this situation."
Injuries in her right shoulder and left knee prevented Yaroshuk
from fulfilling the promise that she brought to Westwood. But
judging from early indications, Yaroshuk appears ready to fulfill
expectations.
"She might be the healthiest she has been in the five years
she’s been here," Zaima said. "She is definitely playing the kind
of tennis that she’s been waiting to play."
The Bruin newcomers also fared well against Washington State.
Freshmen Brandi Freudenberg and Jody Anglin won in straight sets,
while walk-on Alyson Gray posted a 6-2, 6-3 victory against Helen
Frankland.
"At this point, we really want to see as many players as we have
get the opportunity to play," Zaima said. "And the fact that one of
our walk-ons can beat a scholarship player from another Pac-10 team
was very positive."
In doubles, three matches were scheduled but only two were
completed because of the drizzle toward the end of the match.
Phebus and Yaroshuk, the Pac-10 indoor doubles champions, took care
of Andrea Reisz and Tunde Nagy 6-0, 6-2. At No. 2 doubles, the
combination of Stephanie Chi and Kelly Rudolph disposed of Bindi
Thomas and Narelle Hall 6-1, 6-4.