By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
A five-match win streak for San Jose State’ women’s tennis team ended Friday afternoon after a 4-0 loss to Saint Mary’s University.
In doubles court one, Spartans (9-3) freshman Savannah Sendar and senior Sybille Gauvain’s matched up against Gaels’ (7-5) freshmen pair Mariia Kozyreva and Hind Abdelouahid, and fell 6-1.
The second doubles match to conclude was SJSU’s duo freshman Laura Malsert and junior Miyo Kobayashi versus a couple of SMU seniors, Emma Critser and Kareena Manji. Saint Mary’s took it, 4-1, earning the doubles point.
In singles, Gauvain in court one had her hands full going toe-to-toe against No. 99 Mariia Kozyreva. The Spartan senior lost the first set 6-4, then bounced back 6-0 to send it to a third set. Kozyreva prevailed 6-3.
SJSU’s Malsert courted off with SMU’s Manji, but fell in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.
Meanwhile in court three, Kobayashi faced off with Gaels junior Clementine Clement, who beat the Spartan 6-4, 6-1 also in back-to-back sets, earning the fourth and final point for SMU.
Undefeated freshman Savannah Sendar was forced to play into a seventh point in her first two sets, winning the first 7-5, but not finishing the second with a 6-5 lead. The game will not affect her singles record as she remains 8-0.
The Spartans are back on home paint Sunday against their crosstown rival Santa Clara Broncos at noon.