Two straight losses were quickly forgotten after the Idaho women’s tennis team swept the Lewis-Clark State College Warriors 7-0 in Lewiston.
“I thought the girls played hard and took it seriously,” Idaho coach Art Hoomiratana said. “They went in there and did what they needed to do.”
Led by seniors Victoria Lozano and Almudena Sanz, the Vandals (12-3) handled the Warriors in doubles play, winning all three sets 8-2.
“Mentally we are different in the doubles than in the singles,” Lozano said. “I think every time we play doubles we’re more confident.”
Lozano attributes the wins to strong teamwork and rallying each other when points don’t go a certain way. She said the Vandals are more aggressive during doubles because one player can run up to the net without worrying about covering the back of the court.
The team rode the momentum from sweeping the doubles matches to bring success to singles matches. Lozano (No 1. singles), Sophie Vickers (No. 4), Belen Barcenilla (No. 5) and Rita Bermudez (No. 6) all swept their singles matches 6-0, 6-0.
Following a tense match against Portland Sunday, Lozano wanted to work on her consistency during singles. At the No. 1 spot, she’s been an important factor in determining the team’s success. Her singles record of 11-4 this season has helped her earn the top spot.
“Consistency is very important to me,” Lozano said. “I expect to work on my consistency and have it ready for next match.”
The Vandals will hit the road this weekend, as they take on Northern Arizona on Sunday and Grand Canyon on Monday in the humid Phoenix weather.
“I don’t know if they are really tough or at the same level as us, but we’re going to go out there and play hard,” Lozano said.
There is a noticeable difference between playing outdoor and indoor tennis. Not only is the weather a factor, but fatigue and equipment come into play.
“It’s different — sometimes my strings get tighter or looser depending on the weather,” Lozano said. “It will be a challenge, but I think we are prepared.”
Conor Gleason can be reached at [email protected]