For the fifth consecutive match the doubles point proved to be
the difference for the women’s tennis team. Sarah Gregg and
Susi Wild were victorious at No. 1 doubles, and Anya Loncaric and
Laura Gordon won at the No. 3 spot as the No. 9 Bruins (5-3)
defeated Pepperdine (5-3) 4-3 in Malibu. It was UCLA’s second
victory over the Waves this season.
Winning the doubles point helped the Bruins overcome singles
losses by their two nationally ranked players. No. 6 Sara Walker
was defeated at the top singles position 7-6(4), 6-4 by Natalie
Bravermen of Pepperdine. No. 84 Jackie Carleton, who was coming off
a perfect 3-0 weekend at the National Team Indoors, was upended by
No. 91 Charlotte Vernaz 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
Freshman Susi Wild continued to stay hot, winning 6-3, 4-0
(ret.). Gregg and Gordon also added three-set victories to give the
Bruins the overall win.
All-American junior Lauren Fisher saw her first action of the
dual match season, teaming with Sara Walker at No. 2 doubles. They
were defeated 8-4 by Bravermen and partner Merve Asimgil. Fisher
had been out all season recovering from elbow surgery.
UCLA returns to action today at 1:30 at LATC against No. 17
Fresno State (3-2). The Bulldogs are led by No. 24 Chloe Carlotti,
who is currently a perfect 5-0 in dual match singles play. The
Bruins will return to Pac-10 play this weekend when they travel to
face Arizona State and Arizona.