The toughest obstacle the UCLA women’s tennis team has
faced the past few matches has been getting on the court.
Playing a day earlier than scheduled, the Bruins avoided both
the forecasted rainstorm and the upset in their 5-2 win over the
Pepperdine Waves.
After rain delayed their match against Arizona State last Friday
for over three and a half hours and forced them to cancel their
Arizona match the next day, the No. 8 Bruins did not want to let
the weather interfere with their match against No. 29 Pepperdine in
Malibu.
“They usually step it up against us,” said Sarah
Gregg, who recorded a 6-4, 7-6 (3) win at the No. 4 spot.
“But we dig in more and are ready for it.”
Gregg’s match was one of a handful that could have gone
either way. Feriel Esseghir beat Merve Asimgil 6-4, 7-6 (5) at No.
3, while Lauren Fisher needed three sets to beat Lise Sissler 6-2,
4-6, 6-2 at No. 5. Laura Gordon was the only Bruin who cruised to
victory, taking out Eva Dickes 6-3, 6-1 on court No. 6.
“It’s always close when we play them,” Gregg
said. “They have a lot of unconventional players that are
talented.”
Although the Waves’s talent was not enough to give the
team a victory, it shined in individual cases.
Natalie Braverman’s 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 victory over 13th ranked
Jackie Carleton at the No. 1 position gave the Waves one of their
two points.
With rain predicted to limit the practice opportunities for the
rest of the week, getting this match in was very important before
the Bruins (6-3) play No. 16 Texas on Sunday.
“It could have been too long for us to go without
playing,” Gregg said.
For the remainder of the week, weather conditions may be the
least of the Bruins’ worries. Daniela Bercek was forced to
default her match against Charlotte Vernaz because of an injury.
With fellow freshman Alex McGoodwin also sidelined because of a
pulled stomach muscle and Feriel Esseghir and Lauren Fisher playing
through injuries suffered last year, the Bruins could use the time
to recuperate before heading out to Texas to face the Longhorns in
what should be a tough contest.