2021 PacWest Women's Tennis Championships Central 

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Down a point heading into singles action in their opening round matchup against No. 10 seed Colorado Mesa at the Pacific West Conference Championship, No. 7 seed Academy of Art women's tennis swept singles action as they would comeback for the 4-1 win to secure battle with No. 2 seed Concordia in Thursday's quarterfinals. 

"This being the first experience [of the PacWest Championship] for four out of our six players, it was a little bit intimidating to start doubles play," said ART U Head Coach Clarisse Baca. "I was very happy to see how everything turned around between doubles and singles. We talked about turning on that competition mode and how to figure out why they want to win. I think it motivated them to be more successful in their singles matches."

The Urban Knights (5-4), one day removed from receiving a No. 24 national ranking, started the match on the right note, as they did receive a doubles win on court one from sophomore duo Sofia Ragona and Yun "Nicole" Shiau who were the first to defeat their opponents Carolena Campos and Maike Waldburger, 6-1. Despite that, it was the Mavericks (12-12) who would capture the remaining two doubles matches and steal the early 1-0 lead. 

Dropping the doubles point didn't faze the Knights, as they didn't drop a single set in earning four consecutive singles victories to earn the match win. The first to finish was Shiau on court three wheere she dispatched of her opponent Halle Romero in identical 6-1, 6-1 sets. Following that was freshman Julia Ortega who bounced Juliana Campos on court six, also in identical 6-1, 6-1 sets. Ragona nabbed the third win, posting a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win on court one over Issy Coman. Earning the match-clinching point on court five was freshman Erica Hellbe, cruising to a 6-2, 6-2 win over her opponent Lauren Thomas. 

"I think this match was important for us to get ready for a good team tomorrow, and we're really looking forward to playing better," Baca said. "I think as the team continues to play and compete, we're just going to get better and better."

ART U's quarterfinal matchup against No. 2 seed Concordia (ranked No. 18 nationally) will begin at 9 a.m. PST on Thursday.