Looking to rebound after Wednesday’s loss to crosstown
rival USC, the UCLA women’s tennis team took its frustration
out on Oregon Friday, beating the Ducks 5-2.
The Bruins (9-5, 1-1 Pac-10) accomplished what they were unable
to do against the Trojans ““ follow up solid doubles play with
equally impressive singles performances. Playing away from the
comfort of Southern California and contending with the indoor court
atmosphere, the Bruins adjusted quickly.
“This was one of our best matches against a quality
team,” head coach Stella Sampras Webster said.
“They’re a very feisty team, and it’s hard to
get adjusted, but the team did a really good job.”
Although freshmen Jackie Carleton and Feriel Esseghir lost 8-4
to the No. 38 nationally-ranked team of Courtney Nagle and Daria
Panova at the No. 1 spot, the other two doubles teams made quick
work of their opponents to secure the doubles point for the
Bruins.
Sarah Gregg and Susi Wild teamed up to beat Ester Bak and Monika
Gieczys 8-3 at the No. 2 spot, while Sara Walker and Laura Gordon
knocked off Anna Leksinska and Julie Merle 8-2 at No. 3.
“It’s always great to win that doubles point,”
Sampras Webster said. “We’re hoping Feriel continues to
stay healthy and that Sara Walker keeps contributing.”
Not letting up, the Bruins were equally successful in singles,
taking four of six sets. Even without the All-American Walker in
the lineup, the Bruins’ top three players all notched
victories over ranked players, which is the first time this season
that has happened. Carleton avenged an earlier loss to the
16th-ranked Panova to win 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Wild defeated 89th-ranked
Gieczys 6-3, 6-1 and Gregg beat 52nd ranked Nagle 7-5, 7-5.
“Susi’s doing an amazing job,” Sampras Webster
said. “Sarah Gregg is really contributing to the team by
winning a lot of matches.”
Sophomore Anya Loncaric gave the Bruins the clinching point with
a 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 win over Bak at the No. 5 position. Freshmen Laura
Gordon and Shilpa Joshi fell at the No. 4 and No. 6 spots
respectively.
The Bruins hope their success will carry over into future Pac-10
matches. However, before resuming conference play against the
Arizona schools over spring break, the team will face Texas
tomorrow at the LATC. The Longhorns, ranked 17th in the nation, are
4-3, but have dropped their last two matches.
“It’s important to get the players ready to
play,” Sampras Webster said. “It’s hard sometimes
at the end of the quarter.”