Preparing for the USTA/ITA National Team Indoors in Wisconsin this weekend, women’s tennis coach Stella Sampras Webster put her best lineup out on the court against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Tuesday.
It paid off.
No. 15 UCLA recorded a 6-1 victory over the Mustangs in its final non-conference tune-up before the tournament.
Cal Poly proved a slightly tougher task for the Bruins than did Hawai’i, which the Bruins swept, 7-0, last week. Back in the starting lineup for UCLA were junior Riza Zalameda and freshman star Yasmin Schnack, who teamed up in doubles to defeat Carol Erickson and Steffi Wong of Cal Poly, 8-0. Zalameda and Shnack’s level of play visibly frustrated the Mustang players, as they couldn’t match the Bruins’ athleticism.
“It was fun to be out there dominating,” Zalameda said. “This match will set the tone for the rest of the season.”
The junior also ousted Erickson of Cal Poly in straight sets during singles play, 6-2, 6-0.
It wasn’t all easy for UCLA, however. Schnack was upset in straight sets by Mustang freshman Brittany Blalock, who provided Cal Poly its only point of the match. Blalock consistently overpowered a frustrated Schnack, who never seemed to regroup after losing the first set, 6-3.
“(Schnack) didn’t play well today,” Sampras Webster said.
Sampras Webster was not too concerned however, citing “some nerves” as the reason for Schnack’s slip and affirming her confidence in the young player.
“I know that on another day Yasmin could beat (Blalock),” Sampras Webster said.
Other Bruins struggled at the outset with the Mustangs, who didn’t seem intimidated by UCLA during the singles matches. UCLA sophomore Ashley Joelson rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a spectacular first set, ultimately winning 7-6, 6-0 over Steffi Wong. Freshman Stephanie Wetmore continued her duel-match success with a close victory over Cal Poly’s Shannon Brady in her singles match after falling behind a set.
Zalameda and junior Elizabeth Lumpkin had little trouble dispensing both of their opponents in straight sets.
“They were a good challenge for our team,” Lumpkin said.
After the match, Sampras Webster was happy with the way the team overcame some challenges in the match, which seems to bode well for the upcoming tournament.
“This was a great match to prepare us for next week,” Sampras Webster said.
The Bruins now turn their attention to Madison, Wis., the site of the upcoming Indoors. There, they will face some of the top teams in the country. The tournament will allow the Bruins to measure just how much they have improved after two early non-conference matches.
“This tournament is one of the strongest until the NCAAs. It’s a way to really move up in the rankings,” Lumpkin said.
Zalameda is looking forward to a good showing in Madison after her success against the Mustangs.
“I was really excited to come out here and make a stand. I feel really confident,” she said.
LIN OUT FOR SINGLES: Junior Tracy Lin did not compete for the Bruins in singles play because of an injured hamstring, but will return to help UCLA in the National Team Indoors, she said.