SAN FRANCISCO – In its fourth match of the season, No. 19 Academy of Art women's tennis rallied back from doubles with five singles victories for a 5-2 win over Sonoma State at Bay Club SF Tennis on Saturday.
"Overall I thought today was a fantastic team effort," said head coach
Clarisse Baca. "I told them I was so proud because everyone was able to focus on specific parts of their game in practice this whole week and they were able to execute them."
The Seawolves started by taking the doubles point on a 6-4 win for Jenna DeTurk and Tiani Jadulang over freshmen
Maria Vittoria Casucci and
Aitana Comas Adam plus Amber Huk and Carolina Alfosin's 6-2 result at three versus freshmen
Ella Lynn-Browne and
Julia Ortega.
SSU's lead then became 2-0 early in singles action with Hannah Highsmith topping Lynn-Browne 6-1, 6-1 at the fifth position. The other singles matchups would go the way of ART U, however, as Casucci topped Alfonsin 6-3, 6-0 at four then Comas Adam and senior
Mariacristina Andrisani both secured victories in straight sets that included second set tiebreakers. Comas Adam bested DeTurk 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) and Andrisani went 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) over Turchak.
"After losing the doubles point the team was ready to gear up for a good fight," said Baca. "We had to play smarter and with more bravery. As the team began to regain its confidence in strategy and playing our style, it was good to see everyone execute their game plan."
The 5-2 end result was then finished off by sophomore
Sofia Ragona and Ortega outlasting their respective opponents each in third sets. Ragona defeated Judulang 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 and Ortega's 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 score against Huk ended the day, leading the Urban Knights to a 3-1 record while SSU fell to 3-2.
"Going forward, we really have to remember this feeling of believing in ourselves and how well you can play when you're trying your best," said Baca. "We have two more weeks to get ready for some of our biggest matches of the season and today was a big stepping stone in our confidence."
ART U next faces Stanislaus State in Turlock on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
