By Sandeep Chandok
What a time to be a tennis athlete at San Jose State.
The No. 3 seed Spartan women’s tennis team will play for the Mountain West Championship after sweeping No. 7 Air Force 4-0 earlier this afternoon.
Tamara Culibrk and Miyo Kobayashi got things started for SJSU with a 6-1 doubles victory over Lily Forlini and Nadeen Lieberman of Air Force.
The Mountain West Player of the Year Marie Klocker then teamed with Sybille Gauvain in a matchup of the top doubles tandems and defeated Elizabeth Barnickel and T.J. Fumagalli, 6-4.
When asked how his team would prepare for No. 1 seed and host UNLV tomorrow, SJSU head coach Chad Skorupka strayed from game specifics and was rather laid-back.
“Fortunately we’re done early, got a couple beat up players,” Skorupka said following the match. “We might need to do some laundry [and] go to bed early.”
While resting can be helpful, the Spartans will have to come out strong like they did today as the Runnin’ Rebels are 16-4 at home this season.
SJSU did overtake UNLV 4-3 just 27 days ago, however, the top-seeded host team will be looking for redemption and a championship trophy.
“We have to go out there and give our best effort,” Skorupka said following the match. “We’re on their home court and we’re the underdog. Tomorrow, we have to take it from them.”
The championship match will begin 11 a.m.
