On Friday the Arizona women’s tennis team resumed Pac-12 Conference play against the Washington State Cougars.
Arizona has previously dominated the matchup, losing only four times to the Cougars since 1993.
Just as was seen last week, the Wildcats’ improvement in doubles was clear and paid off big time, giving them the early lead. It would be enough to give Arizona its first conference win of the season with a score of 5-2
Senior Shayne Austin gave the team the match clinching point on court two, where she went down in the first set, but came back to win in a tough three-set affair (4-6, 6-4, 6-1).
The heavyweight matchup was on court one, which saw senior Lauren Marker face off against sophomore Donika Bashota. Marker was able to better her opponent, cruising to a straight set victory (6-2, 6-2).
When asked about winning the first conference game of the season, Arizona head coach Vicky Maes was more then relieved to finally get on the win column.
“Washington State is a good team; they beat teams we’ve struggled against,” Maes said. “But coming out here and getting this win at home, there’s nothing better. We’re finally healthy and because of this, we’re getting the results we deserve.”
Junior Devin Chypyha was among the Arizona players to root her team on to victory.
“We always say in our team talks before the match that we have to be out there cheering each other,” Chyphya said. “When that happens good results usually follow and that’s what happened out there today.”
Chypyha has always been one of the team’s fireballs and this match was a great indication that positive energy and spirit can inspire a team to perform to its very best.
The team plays Washington on Saturday, who like the Wildcats, have a doubles paring ranked in the ITA rankings.
“We’ve done all we can to be ready for the next match, we’re at home, we’re healthy and our form is good,” Maes said. “However, we still have to show up and play our best tomorrow.”
Maes and her squad will look to carry over the momentum of getting a win in a top-tier conference.
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