Arizona women’s tennis suffered its first loss on the season on Friday at No. 19 Texas Tech.
Junior Lacey Smyth had the only win for the Wildcats on the day, defeating No. 115 Kenna Kilgo 6-3, 6-3 as Arizona lost 6-1.
“This was not a great day for our girls,” head coach Vicky Maes said in a press release. “We didn’t compete the way we had to, to beat a team like Tech. I felt going in that we matched up well, but we didn’t get off to a good start.”
The Wildcats bounced back after the loss by beating Georgia State 5-2. After losing all three doubles matches, Arizona earned the victory in the singles matches. Senior Kim Stubbe lost her first set, but came back to defeat Masa Grgan 1-6, 7-6, 6-3. Freshman Lauren Marker, sophomore Shayne Austin and junior Lauren Oldham all defeated their opponents in straight sets.
“This was a very challenging match, and I was pleased to see us turn things our way,” Maes said. “It was tough beginning to end — very good day for the ’Cats.”
Meanwhile, the men’s team defeated Idaho 7-0 on Saturday.
“I think we got off to a slow start in doubles and singles, but everybody pulled through,” senior Kieran Thompson said.
In doubles play, senior Mario Urquidi and sophomore Matt Dunn defeated Odon Barta and Artemiy Nikitin 6-2. Sophomore Naoki Takeda and freshman Will Kneale defeated Cesar Torres and Andrew Zedde 6-1, earning the doubles point for the Wildcats.
In singles play, senior Fredrik Ask quickly defeated Odon Barta 6-2, 6-2. Takeda defeated Artemiy Nikitin 6-2, 6-4. Thompson overpowered Jose Bendeck 6-5 (9-7), 6-4 to secure the victory for the Wildcats.
“That got close quick,” head coach Tad Berkowitz said. “I thought Idaho did a nice job. We showed good toughness [Saturday].”
Against Nevada, Arizona had a much more difficult time, losing 5-2.
In doubles matches, Ask and Thompson defeated Quentin Mege and Moez Echargui 6-1. However, Victor Ouvrard and Robert Allan defeated Urquidi and Dunn 6-2. Andrew Poustie and Fernando Sunago defeated Takeda and Kneale 6-2.
“You have to give credit to Nevada,” Berkowitz said. “We came out strong after losing the doubles point to win the five first sets, but there was a 15-minute momentum change that turned the tables. Our guys competed hard and fought hard. Nevada just got us [Sunday].”
Up next for the men is a trip to Las Cruces, N.M. to take on New Mexico State on Feb. 23. The women host No. 65 San Diego on Feb. 22 at the LaNelle Robson Tennis Center.
—Follow Matt Wall @mwall20
