The women’s tennis team is off to a great start following a win against San Diego State yesterday. Despite the Santa Ana winds blowing in full force, the Waves overcame rough patch to come out on top.
“San Diego is definitely a tough team,” Head Coach Gualberto Escudero said, “Last year they beat us for the first time after five years. Now we have to beat them back.”
“Plus, we would like to start off the season with a win,” he added.
According to Escudero, there was an added anxiety due to the fact that he was trying out new pairs. Senior Khunpak Issara and freshman Lorraine Guillermo teamed up to attain the first win for the Waves.
In singles, Issara made a big statement, blanking San Diego’s Emma Cioffi (6-0, 6-0). Senior Ali Walters posted a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over Alicia Aguilar, while sophomore Megan Moore beat Roxanne Ellison (6-4, 6-2).
Despite suffering an unexpected loss, sophomore Ale Granillo was happy with the team win and remains enthusiastic about the matches to come.
“It was our first match of the season, and such events are always challenging,” Granillo said, “Particularly today, the wind affected our game. But I was very happy that my teammates obtained their respective victories.”
Granillo added that the team expects more wins, like today.
“Personally, I want to improve my game, be more focused and fast, while still having transition, of course,” Granillo said.
“Depending on the results of this match I will be able to see how the season go. We are playing a good team today, so that will give us a good estimate of where we are standing” head coach Escudero said.
With this match as a point of reference, it is safe to say a prosperous season awaits the waves.
Next up for the Waves is a home match against Cal State Northridge on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
