A lot can change in a year of college athletics. Between athletes transferring into and out of various institutions, and the inevitable departure of graduating seniors, even a year’s time is enough to completely transform a team’s identity.
Fortunately for the Bruins, such a conundrum seems to have evaded the UCLA women’s tennis team for at least another season.
This weekend, a Bruin claimed the Pac-12 singles championship at the annual tournament in Ojai for the second year in a row.
Freshman Jennifer Brady knocked off five straight opponents in four days to lay claim to the singles trophy in the tournament’s championship draw.
Brady’s victory also marked the second consecutive Pac-12 singles championship claimed by a UCLA freshman, with now-sophomore Kyle McPhillips earning the title a year ago.
Brady’s journey to victory in the championship’s main draw pitted her against four opponents from rivals USC and California, each of whom she downed in straight-set victories.
The nationally televised final on Sunday saw Brady making quick work of USC team captain Zoë Scandalis, as Brady surrendered a mere four games to her opponent.
When interviewed after the match by Pac-12 networks, Brady commented on how UCLA coach Stella Sampras Webster has improved her confidence by focusing on being positive and having more energy.
In addition to Brady, McPhillips and junior Chanelle Van Ngyuen competed in the championship draw, with McPhillips losing her first-round match and Van Ngyuen advancing to the quarterfinals before being ousted.
The team’s lone doubles pairing to enter the tournament, senior Courtney Dolehide and Van Nguyen, found its way to the semifinal match, before a pair from USC ended its tournament run.
The No. 1-ranked Bruins now look to the last remaining item on their schedule as they prepare to earn their program’s second national title at the NCAA Championships early this May.
Compiled by Erik Kaye, Bruin Sports contributor.