No. 25 Academy of Art versus University of San Francisco Final Results

SAN FRANCISCO – No. 25 Academy of Art rang in the new year with a victory over Division I University of San Francisco on Tuesday, their first and only exhibition match of the season.
 
After falling in first doubles, the Urban Knights claimed the next two decisions to take the match's first point. Sophomores Alma Thell-Lenntorp and Klara Thell-Lenntorp made their first appearance since placing fifth at the ITA Oracle Cup in October. The Twins began the season ranked fifth in the country and first in the region, and their first look at 2017 competition did not disappoint. Playing in second doubles, their match against USF headed to a tiebreaker knotted at six games apiece. However, the twins were able to emerge victorious by a score of 7-3. Sophomore Paula Alcantara and freshman MariaCristina Andrisani had no problems taking care of business in third doubles, taking their match 6-3.
 
ART U looked strong in the singles portion of the match as well with four out of the six matches finishing in Academy of Art's favor. With her first look at collegiate competition, sophomore Monika Stanikova clinched first singles with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory. The other three victories included both Lenntorps and sophomore Taisiia Andrieieva. Andrieieva's match headed into a tiebreaker after going 6-2, 4-6 in the opening sets. However, the Odessa, Ukraine native's final effort was enough to win the set 10-3.
 
The Urban Knights will now begin preparations for the season opener which will take place at home on February 2 against Stanislaus State.
 
"I am happy on how the team performed today," said head coach Nicole Briceno-Garzon. "After a slow start, we were able to make the necessary adjustments which is not always easy to do against tough teams such as USF. We played our game and I am proud of the team for that.  It was inspiring to see Monika in her first collegiate match to fight her way back as she did and Taisiia did a great job of competing and playing as I know she can do.  I think the team is really excited to get the season going and this match will help us build for our next one."