By Isabella Dandoy – (@DandoyIsabella) – Spear Reporter
SJSU women’s tennis (3-4) fought tirelessly, but could not overcome a grueling deficit against GCU (2-5) without the doubles point today at home.
The Spartans have not faced the Lopes since Feb. 15, 2020.
Junior Irena Muradyan and Senior Rozalina Youseva were the only duo victorious in doubles. It was an even matchup against Grand Canyon, but their persistent rallies and enthusiasm brought them a 6-3 dub. Their partnership now boasts a 3-2 record.
The doubles point now belonged to GCU. SJSU was down 0-1.
The first two games for the Spartans brought them to a 0-3 deficit. Juniors Raquel Villan Pereira and Carolina Millan finished first, unable to get on the board.
Muradyan was a force to be reckoned with, winning both of her matches 6-3, 6-2. She continued to add to her winning record, amassing 10 total dubs. She leads the team in singles wins.
The score was now 1-3. In order for the Spartans to win, they needed to earn every last point.
Youseva and Junior Jovana Babic fought tirelessly until the end. Both of their matches were successful, carrying over to three games. The score was now 3-3.
All eyes were now on Fifth-year Alba Pedrero Galindo. Her long, consistent volleys were almost enough to tire out her opponent. She won her first match, but not her second. The third match left the game’s fate in the hands of a tiebreaker.
Pedrero Galindo’s performance left the audience as eager bobbleheads, but she failed to execute when it mattered most. The final game of the day ended 7-6 (10-8).
Failure to capture the doubles point set the pace of the game for the Spartans. The team consistently faces struggles when it comes to doubles. Last week’s doubles matches against Fullerton fueled its win, but today’s game lacked crucial momentum.
Head Coach Chad Skorupka had a few words to say on Twitter about the team’s relationship with doubles.
SJSU women’s tennis will play the third game of its four-game homestand against USF (2-3) on Friday, Feb. 24 at noon.