The UCLA women’s tennis team got back on the winning track on Friday afternoon, defeating Saint Mary’s College 6-1 at the Riviera Country Club, located 4 miles west of UCLA. The No. 21 Bruins improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Gaels fell to 1-2.
The defining moment of the match came early as seniors Catherine Harrison and Kyle McPhillips powered through the doubles game 6-3 against the Gaels’ Jana McCord and Jamie Pawid.
The longtime doubles pair’s veteran leadership was on display as their strong matchplay erased any doubts lingering from last weekend’s 4-3 loss to Fresno State.
“I think (the doubles victory set the tone) because Saint Mary’s actually has really strong doubles, ” Harrison said. “I was really pleased with how (McPhillips) and I played.”
Sophomores Terri Fleming and Maia Magill then clinched the doubles point for the Bruins, pulling out a 6-4 victory against Clementine Clement and Parminder Kaur. The Gaels knotted it up at a point apiece when Kaur defeated UCLA’s Laura Luca 6-1, 6-0 at the start of singles play.
Harrison, the No. 18-ranked singles player in the nation, followed with a resounding 6-4, 6-3 victory over McCord. The veteran attributed her victory to an increased focus on rhythm work and consistency drills in practice.
UCLA clinched the victory as McPhillips took down Clement in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 and Magill cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Vanessa Nommensen.
Long hours at practice paid off for sophomore Kristin Wiley, as she rebounded from her loss at Fresno State to defeat Saint Mary’s Emma Critser 6-4, 7-5.
“I worked really hard in practice last week after I lost to Fresno State, “ Wiley said,“I also served really well which made a huge difference and I felt like I improved from my last match.”
Freshman Alaina Miller continued her impressive start, dropping the first set against the No. 103-ranked Jamie Pawid, before rallying to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.
This match was a step in the right direction for the team, as the Bruins look to get some matches under their belts after losing preparation in the fall season due to injuries.
UCLA will prepare to host No. 26 Northwestern next weekend.
Compiled by Ishan Ayyalasomayajula, Bruin Sports contributor.