Despite an extraordinary effort in its singles matches the No.-55 women’s tennis team suffered a 4-3 loss Wednesday to No.-8 UCLA.
The Waves had a rough start in the doubles matches with the tandem of senior Alex Liles and sophomore Anamika Bhargava pulling in the Waves’ only win 7-6 (5).
“I think our whole team had confidence from our last meeting with UCLA Bhargava said. However we really need to work on our doubles matches because that single point has decided a few of our matches this year but it’s good that our singles matches are continuing to get better.”
The singles matches certainly did go well for the Waves who received wins from Liles junior Jill Braverman and freshman Andrea Oates.
Liles was the Waves’ only player to win on both the doubles and singles court. And it was Liles’ win against Anna-Viktoria Lind (6-3 6-3) that got Pepperdine’s momentum going. Following Liles’ victory Braverman defeated No. 68-ranked Maya Johansson in a hard fought battle 6-4 5-7 (10-7). The win gives Braverman her sixth straight in singles play.
“I was exhilerated to say the least after beating the No. 68-ranked player in the nation Braverman said. We were neck and neck the entire match but in the end I think I?felt like I deserved it … and wanted to win more than her. And a lot of the time it just comes down to exactly that – who wants it more.”
Head Coach Gualberto Escudero had a lot of praise for Braverman.
“I have always thought Jill [Braverman] was constantly getting better Escudero said. So far she has been taking care of herself and she plays with a fearless attitude out on the court that I believe is really making her effective.”
Oates followed Braverman’s clutch victory with her eighth straight singles win defeating Stephanie Wetmore 6-2 7-6 (5). “Andrea [Oates] competes within herself Escudero said. Even when she gets down she knows that she can comeback. She learns her opponent’s tendencies and style very quickly and I really think that’s what helps her be successful.”
Despite Pepperdine’s late push the team could not take down the highly-talented Bruins. With the loss the team dropped to 4-5.
“After our doubles loss we went out in singles and we really thought we could do it Bhargava said. It was just a point here and there that did it. It could have gone either way we just need to make sure we capitalize on those crucial points next time.”
Next up on the schedule is the Rebels of UNLV at home Saturday at 11 a.m.