By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | SJSU senior Carla Urchoeguia getting ready to serve on March 16. (Photo by Jasmina Lara – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State women’s tennis left the USD USTA Invite showing promise in doubles, making it to the round of 16 and staying competitive in singles play.
The Spartans opened the tournament on the right track in doubles, highlighted by sophomore Emma Fantousis and junior Duru Durgun, who competed in a tight 7-6 and 7-3 win over BYU’s sophomore Yuyun Chen and freshman Sage Bergeson.
In Singles, Fantousis gave USD’s Anna Lin Moll a run for her money, but fell short 4-6, 6-3, 3-6.
SJSU freshman Tara Mhihaljevic gained valuable game experience in tough losses against University of Nevada’s junior Kennedy Robinson 6-4, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-0 to Bergeson in extra matches.
Fantousis would bounce back on day two with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over BYU’s freshman Bella Lewis.
Fantousis and Durgun battled but came up short, dropping a 6-4 match to USC’s sophomore Jana Hossam Salah and freshman Krisha Mahendran.
On day three of extra matches, Bergeson surpassed Fantousis 6-2, 6-4, and Mihaljevic would be outmatched by USC freshman Dani Borruel 6-2, 6-1.
Hossam Salah and Mahendran would go on to win in the doubles final 6-4, taking the title over Nevada seniors Silvia-Maria Costache and Marlene Foerster.
USC’s Mahendran and freshman Eugenia Zozaya would share the singles title as co-champs.
While the Spartans did not reach the later rounds after facing tough matches according to head coach Chad Skorupka, the tournament showcased their ability to push high-level opponents.
With work to improve on, the Spartans will take these early-season lessons to prepare for the ITA Northwest Regional on Oct. 10-14 at the University of California, Berkeley.
