Following an unchallenging and uneventful match against Cal State Los Angeles, it would have been easy for the UCSD women’s tennis team to become complacent and uninspired to improve. However, the Tritons did not fall victim to the illusion of effortless success, instead grinding out a hard-fought win against Vanguard University on April 12.
Freshman Ina Dan could not overcome Vanguard University’s Amy Brown in a three-set match, but the Tritons rallied around her and pulled off the suprising 5-4 win on April 12.
In their match against league opponent Cal State Los Angeles on April 8, UCSD’s skills went untested as it trounced the Golden Eagles in a 9-0 rout. The Tritons breezed through the match, with juniors Katie McKee and Kristin Bronowicki teaming up again to stomp Cal State Los Angeles’ No. 1 doubles tandem of Rona Miller and Isis Jackso, 8-3. UCSD’s remaining doubles partners had equal success, with the No. 2 duo of sophomores Justine Fonte and Molly Sullens and the No. 3 pair freshman Ina Dan and junior Allison Legakis both winning their matches with 8-4 final scores.
The Tritons wasted no time in relishing in their easy victory and refocused their efforts on the upcoming match against the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ No. 2-ranked Vanguard University Lions of Costa Mesa, Calif.
They fell behind early, as the usually dependable doubles play faltered, with junior Marsha Malinow and Dan securing the only victory, 8-3, over Tiffany Teerawat and Olivia Amstad.
Sullens, who, with partner Fonte, fell in the No. 3 doubles spot, attributed the initially weak play to her own errors.
“We were missing shots that we normally should make,” she said. “I feel like we beat ourselves.”
Despite the lackluster showing in doubles competition, the Tritons battled back in singles play to win four of six faceoffs. Both No. 1 and No. 2 seeded Malinow and Dan dropped their bouts to Hana Jurcovicova and Amy Brown, but Bronowicki, Sullens and freshman Amelia Larkin tallied points in favor of the Tritons.
Sullens had faith that her team would be able to bounce back following the doubles losses.
“It was frustrating against a good team knowing we had to win four out of six singles matches,” she said. “But we were very confident that everyone would do well.”
In what was undoubtedly the most exciting match of the afternoon, Fonte fought both Damia Donkervoort and Donkervoort’s supporters. According to Fonte, the fans, including Donkervoort’s parents, exhibited poor sportsmanship and at times became unruly and tactless, cheering for Fonte’s misplays. In addition, Donkervoort annoyingly contested many line calls, and a line judge had to be summoned in order for play to resume.
Although Fonte fell behind early, losing the first set and trailing in the second set, she mounted an impressive comeback. On the brink of defeat, she edged out Donkervoort, 7-6, to force a third set. Fonte found her composure and ran away with the third set, 6-2, winning the match and series for the Tritons.
Fonte, who is still undefeated on the season, said she has enjoyed her run thoroughly.
“I’m a lot more relaxed this season,” she said. “There aren’t any scouts or schools I need to impress, and I’m able to enjoy playing tennis and it shows.”
Head coach Liz LaPlante said that Fonte has improved this season.
“It took some great tennis and concentration on her part to win a very close set and take it to three [sets],” she said. “This was Justine’s best tennis I’ve seen her play.”
According to LaPlante, the Tritons’ well-earned win may add to their mental edge, as Vanguard had previously defeated UCSD rival University of Hawaii-Hilo. The victory also gives the Tritons momentum heading into their last three league matches, two of which are against Cal Poly Pomona, undefeated in conference play.
“It’s a must-win against Pomona and today’s match definitely will help,” she said. “They are a pretty good team, but as long as we play like we can, they shouldn’t be a problem.”
The Tritons square off against Cal State Bakersfield on April 14 at 2 p.m. before ending their regular season against Cal Poly Pomona on April 19 and April 22.
