SURPRISE, Ariz. – Squaring up against No. 9 seed MSU Denver in the seventh place match to signal the end of the 2023 Pacific West Conference Championship, No. 6 seed Academy of Art was able to overcome losing the doubles point and an early default by earning four consecutive straight sets singles victories, ultimately ending the tournament on a winning note with a 4-2 decision. 

Aiming to bounce back after a loss in the PacWest Championship Consolation Semifnals yesterday, the Urban Knights (9-8) ended the year on a high note thanks to their dominant singles performances, which were needed to overcome the Roadrunners (14-10) who won each of the first two completed doubles matches for the 1-0 lead. MSU Denver also led the third doubles match that was left unfinished. 

An automatic default on court six meant that Academy of Art was in a 2-0 hole by the time action continued, but ART U made quick work of the Roadrunners by winning or leading all five other singles matchups. Ending first was sophomore Paulina Alvarez, who earned her second victory in as many days as she bounced Lilly Stienemeier on court four with identical sets of 6-2, 6-2. Tying the match at 2-2 on court five was redshirt sophomore Aitana Comas Adam, as she also produced another identical set triumph over her opponent Monica Guarin, 6-3, 6-3. 

Responsible for ART U's third point was sophomore Julia Ortega, as she downed Marie Cool on court two with a 6-3, 6-2 decision. Finally, the winning point came on the first court as sophomore Maria Vittoria Casucci closed out a third identical set victory thanks to her 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Isabel Heras. Though she remained unfinished, sophomore Erica Hellbe was leading her match against Kinsey Fields on court three, 7-5, 4-4. 

The Urban Knights captured seventh place in the 2023 PacWest Championship after posting a record of 2-2, and will now turn their attention to the 2023-24 season. For all the latest ART U women's tennis news and recruit information, please visit www.ARTUAthletics.com.