The Idaho women’s tennis team was forced to move their match against Weber State to Lewis-Clark State College indoor facilities Saturday, after forecasted showers cancelled the home meeting for the Vandals.
The change in venue did not keep Idaho from earning a commanding 6-1 win over the Wildcats.
The doubles matches were the first events of Saturday’s competition, as freshman Maria Tavares and senior Rita Bermudez shut out their opponents 6-0. The Vandals swiped the doubles point with a follow up victory by Idaho’s Ana Batiri and Belen Barcenilla.
“Our doubles have been tremendously successful of late and that has really helped us build some momentum heading into the singles,” Idaho head coach Mariana Cobra said. “It’s good to see the doubles, one-to-three, all working well right now.”
The momentum worked in Idaho’s favor for the rest of the day. After dropping the last doubles match by a narrow margin, the women’s team would lose only one singles match to leave Lewiston with a 6-1 victory.
Tavares defeating Dominque Beauvais in two games 6-1 and 6-2.
Cobra said the freshman has turned into a stellar player for Idaho early in her career.
“Maria has been one of our top players over the last few matches,” Cobra said. “She stepped up again today with another big win.”
Tavares’s win on the singles court did not ensure a victory for the team.
Bermudez played in a nail biter against Kristi Elmer on the No. 2 court. The senior eventually came out with a win, earning a thrilling three-set victory with scores of 6-4, 5-7, 10-8.
With the Vandals up 3-0, Batiri took down her opponent Sara Parker by winning two of the three sets in singles play.
Mariana Petrei provided the winning point against Weber State. Petrei, who is currently undefeated in Big Sky singles matches, defeated Agata Bachanek 6-2 and 7-6 to continue her streak of conference dominance.
Lucia Badillos suffered the only loss for the Vandals in singles play, while Barcenilla gave the Vandals the closing win against the conference opponent.
Cobra said she was very pleased with her team’s efforts Saturday.
“The girls are playing much more confident,” Cobra said. “We’re winning the big points, the most important points, and we’re playing more disciplined, high-percentage tennis. When we get to a deuce, and we’re confident, we know we’ll win that point.”
The win for the Vandals boosts the team’s record to 8-5 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
The team will be back in action next Saturday in Moscow against Idaho State.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill
(Photo courtesy of Spencer Farrin)