Women's tennis falls to San Diego after rain delay

Arizona women’s tennis played in San Diego this weekend and the trip turned out to be filled with anything but sunshine. Rain delays in both matches at San Diego State, and again yesterday against the USD Toreros stalled the Wildcats for over an hour.

When the weather cleared, doubles play began. The matchup at the number one spot was a combination of veteran leadership with Pac-12 Tennis Player of the Week Lacey Smyth, and a freshman Shayne Austin. The two won their doubles match 8-5.

The other doubles match featured an upper class pairing for the UA, Susan McRann and Akilah James, their experienced play and time together earned them their sixth match win as partners this season. With the two match wins in doubles the Wildcats took their lead into singles.

Smyth was in top form again this weekend for the Wildcats. Not only did she compete and win alongside Austin in doubles, she also suited up in singles play and won her match 6-4, 6-3. Smyth’s play set the tone for the Wildcats, yet they came up short in the two matches following.

An injury to junior Kim Stubbe played a factor in the Wildcats struggles in a few singles matches, yet coach Vicky Maes stated that, “…we need to be able to count on everyone. Hopefully, this hard lesson will help us be better next weekend.”

Stubbe’s injury was a factor in her loss in singles play, and with her loss as well as Laura Oldham, Austin, and Inge Hendrikx in singles the Wildcats fell (4-2) to the Toreros. The Wildcat women’s next match will come when they host the Fresno St. Bulldogs on Friday.