Imagine an intense match between two equally skilled athletes – perhaps with the second set deadlocked at 6-6 and the tiebreaker at 6-5, one player ready to serve match point. The crowd’s cheers dissipate as the server readies at the baseline, the toss flutters in the air … And it anticlimactically falls to the ground […]
Author Archives: Ishan Ayyalasomayajula
UCLA women’s tennis rallies for close win against Oregon
UCLA women’s tennis continued its strong play as the Pac-12 championships approach, as UCLA came from behind to defeat Oregon 4-3. The early going was rough for the Bruins – they dropped the doubles point after falling on courts two and three. The Ducks took that momentum into singles play with a quick 2-0 lead […]
Seniors and longtime friends’ doubles partnership continues to blossom
Catherine Harrison and Kyle McPhillips are accustomed to seeing eye to eye on the court. The senior doubles duo is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation, following top-10 finishes in each of the past two seasons. The two weren’t always on even footing, though. Harrison’s earliest memory of her doubles partner involves her looking […]
Women’s tennis opens conference season with back-to-back wins
Junior Kelly Shaffer looked to be down for the count Friday afternoon when she walked back to the baseline, behind 6-1 in the first set tiebreaker. But she had not yet shifted her focus and energy to the second set. “My forehand and slice backhand were key,” Shaffer said. “She (was) very off and on […]
Women’s tennis captures dominant win prior to start of Pac-12 play
The UCLA women’s tennis team thumped Baylor on Saturday afternoon, as the Bruins (7-3) scored a dominating 4-1 victory over the Bears (4-7) with the help of several underclassmen performances. Coach Stella Sampras Webster has come to rely on younger players to step up since injuries and inexperience continue to affect the roster. Freshman Alaina […]
UCLA women’s tennis coach serves as mentor on and off the court
Junior Kelly Shaffer’s mind darts to the moments after UCLA women’s tennis won the 2014 NCAA Championship whenever she thinks of coach Stella Sampras Webster. “I remember her absolute joy,” Shaffer said.”She said it was more about us than about her, she was happy for us and what we got to accomplish together.” Sampras Webster […]
Women’s tennis ready to face familiar foes, continue win streak
The UCLA women’s tennis team is in the midst of a mid-season win streak, with four straight dual match victories since an unexpected loss to Fresno State. The No. 22 Bruins (5-1) will test their mettle against a pair of teams on their own hot streaks this week, starting with the No. 15 Pepperdine Waves […]