WEST HAVEN, Conn. – UCI finished their final East Coast trip strong, sweeping New Haven 7-0. 
 
"We definitely are not as used to cold windy conditions, but we handled them well," said Head Coach Elizabeth Ferris.  "This match gave us an opportunity to change the lineup and give everyone an opportunity to compete, and the entire team stepped up."
 
The Anteaters dominated in doubles play, where Flora Amiri and Arianna Tilbury took the first match in the No. 1 spot, 6-1.  Freshmen tandem of Alyssia Fossorier and Dana Mackensen won their match, 6-0, in the No. 3 spot.  The last UCI tandem to finish was Garrido/Parker, who won in the No. 2 spot, 6-3. 
 
"Playing in the wind, it was imperative that we stayed disciplined and focused in order to win," said freshman Dana Mackensen.  "This win was a great way to end the trip!" 
 
In singles, Flora Amiri was again successful in the No. 1 spot, winning in two sets.  Arianna Tilbury and Danielle Garrido also won their matches in two sets.  Jacqueline Tsodikova came back from losing the first set, winning 6-0 in the second set and closing out the win, 10-5, in the third and final set.
 
UCI's two freshmen playing in singles also saw success, beginning with Dana Mackensen, who swept New Haven's Lauryn Burridge, 6-0, 6-0.  Megan Mansonhing battled hard in her match, winning in three sets after dropping the first set to New Haven's Ashley Varrone. 
 
"It was the mentally toughest match I've ever played," said Megan Mansonhing.  "My team was great at cheering me on and making this trip a great overall experience." 
 
"I'm so pleased with everyone's effort this fall," continued coach Ferris.  "Both trips were difficult but we accomplished everything we wanted to.  We became closer as a team through all the long van rides, we battled tough playing conditions and found ways to come out victorious, and we had the opportunity to represent UCI in regions we don't normally compete in.  I think our returners have stepped up and shown leadership but our freshmen have also shown how tough and mature they are.  All our opponents were gracious hosts and it's been fun having all these new experiences but I think it makes us realize even more how special UCI is.  We are so excited to be coming home!" 
 
UCI heads home after a successful weekend of play, and concludes the fall season with a home exhibition match against Cal State LA on Nov. 2 at Anteater Tennis Complex.