Box Score ABILENE, Texas – The ACU women's tennis team picked up its first-ever Western Athletic Conference victory on Sunday afternoon, defeating New Mexico State 4-3 in a four-hour thriller at Eager Tennis Pavilion.
Sylvia Viljoen picked up the clinching point for the Purple and White, as the Wildcats improved to 6-0 on their home court this spring.
"Today's match was a huge team effort and I am really proud of the girls and how they fought. It feels good to get that monkey off our back and get our first conference win," assistant coach Bryan Rainwater said. "We showed a lot of heart today and I think that can really pay off for us moving forward. In the final match, the energy was amazing and Sylvia was really able to feed off her teammates. We know that every match from here on is going to be tough, so getting a win like today just helps build our confidence moving forward."
INSIDE THE MATCH:
- Host: Abilene Christian
- Site: Eager Tennis Pavilion
- Location: Abilene, Texas
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Eva Arranz and Illeana Mocciola teamed up for a 6-2 win in #2 doubles, and after the Aggies won on Court 3, Allison Stewart and Sylvia Viljoen clinched the first point of the day with a victory in the top flight.
- NMSU pulled even with a singles victory on Court 2, but Paula Garrote made it a 2-1 ACU lead with a 6-3, 6-2 win in #6 singles.
- Andrea Guerrero followed with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 win in the fourth flight to put the Wildcats on the brink of the clinch, but New Mexico State stormed back with wins in the top and fifth flights.
- All eyes turned to Court 3, where Viljoen outlasted her opponent with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win to seal the day for the home team.
UP NEXT:
- The Wildcats are back in action next weekend, when they head to Stephenville for a pair of neutral site matches against WAC opponents. Saturday's match pits ACU against Lamar at 3:00 p.m. before the 'Cats wrap up the weekend against Sam Houston on Sunday afternoon.
#GoWildcats
