ABILENE - Abilene Christian women's tennis celebrated its first win of the 2021 spring, battling back from a doubles point down to defeat UTSA, 5-2, on the four indoor courts at Abilene Country Club. ACU claimed points from the No. 1 to 4 singles positions and at No. 6 in improving to 1-3 on the young season.
For UTSA Saturday was its season opener.
The two teams intended to play outdoors at ACU's Eager Tennis Center, but a deteriorating Saturday forecast forced the Wildcats and Roadrunners to instead play several miles away at the ACC. ACU's Teague Events Center, where the tennis teams regularly play their indoor season games, is currently being used to house the Wildcats' basketball and volleyball teams as Moody Coliseum undergoes a two-year renovation.
"It's always a great feeling to get the first win of the season," said Director of Tennis Juan Nunez. "I give all the credit to our student-athletes and (assistant Director of Tennis) Bryan Rainwater because he went above and beyond this week to find us courts to practice in while having several bad weather days. I also have to thank Benny Morentin (head pro at Abilene country club) for his availability and support."
ACU won the first doubles match at the top line as Wildcat veterans
Claire Fisher and
Ileana Mocciola defeated Keegan McCain and Jasmin Starr, 6-1. Unfortunately the Wildcats couldn't hold onto a 4-1 lead at No. 2 and were edged in a tiebreak at No. 3 to drop that all-important first point.
"We started the doubles with great energy and intensity after getting the first win at #1 doubles," said Nunez, "but after being up 4-1 at No. 2, we just kinda lost focus and really didn't have the "killer instinct" to finish the doubles up strong. We (coaches) were a little disappointed by that, however, we knew it would be a good test for the girls and an opportunity for us to see the identity of this team."
The team did not disappoint in singles as four of the five wins were decided in straight sets with everyone playing up one line.
"We couldn't be more proud of the way our team responded," said Nunez. "We went out there and took care of 1-4 singles right off the bat to clinch the victory. I told them I was hoping they were a little hurt after the way the doubles ended, and there's no doubt they went out for singles wanting to prove something. It's really exciting because it definitely showed that blue-collar mentality we're hoping to see from the team. We got punched in the mouth and came back stronger after them."
The Wildcats return to action this Friday and Saturday with consecutive matches at Baylor and Texas A&M.
Abilene Christian 5, UTSA Women's Tennis 2
Jan 23, 2021 at Abilene, Texas (Abilene Country Club)
Singles competition
1.
Maryjoe Crisologo (ACUW) def. Jasmin Starr (UTSAW) 6-4, 6-4
2.
Sylvia Viljoen (ACUW) def. Aleksandra Zlatarova (UTSAW) 6-4, 6-3
3.
Allison Stewart (ACUW) def. Alexandra Weir (UTSAW) 6-4, 6-3
4.
Ileana Mocciola (ACUW) def. Laura Munoz-Baroja (UTSAW) 6-3, 6-1
5. Eva Byebeach (UTSAW) def.
Andrea Guerrero (ACUW) 6-2, 7-6
6.
Claire Fisher (ACUW) def. Keegan McCain (UTSAW) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles competition
1.
Claire Fisher/
Ileana Mocciola (ACUW) def. Keegan McCain/Jasmin Starr (UTSAW) 6-1
2. Sophie Omoworare/Aleksandra Zlatarova (UTSAW) def.
Allison Stewart/
Sylvia Viljoen (ACUW) 6-4
3. Alexandra Weir/Catalina Cabrique (UTSAW) def.
Maryjoe Crisologo/
Andrea Guerrero (ACUW) 7-6 (6-1)
Match Notes
UTSA Women's Tennis 0-1
Abilene Christian 1-3
