IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women's tennis dropped a 5-2 decision to Villanova Thursday at Anteater Tennis Complex.

UCI falls to 5-6 on the season while Villanova improves to 7-1 overall.

INSIDE THE MATCH
> Stephanie Nguyen and Alyssia Fossorier highlighted doubles play with a 6-3 2 win over Villanova's Lexi DeNucci and Kaylan Rotman at the No. 2 spot. The duo remains undefeated in dual-match action
> UCI would fall at Nos. 1 and 3, dropping the doubles point
> Fossorier continued her impressive day with a singles victory on court six. She defeated the Wildcats' Caitlin Fisher by a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
> Jenna Schlatter also earned a win for the 'Eaters on court five. Schlater defeated Carina Burdick, 6-4, 7-5
> Villanova clinched the match with a win at No. 1. Stephanie Nguyen dropped a three-set battle to Lindsay Zimmermann, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5

UP NEXT
> UCI hosts Louisiana Tech Sunday, March 8 at 9 a.m.

UCI 2, Villanova 5
Singles
1.  Lindsay Zimmermann (VILL) def. Stephanie Nguyen (UCI), 6-3, 4-6, 7-5
2. Claudia Althans (VILL) def. Flora Amiri (UCI), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
3. Lexi DeNucci (VILL) def. Jessica Tsukiji (UCI), 6-2, 6-4
4. Kaylan Rotman (VILL) def. Arianna Tilbury (UCI), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
5. Jenna Schlatter (UCI) def. Carina Burdick (VILL), 6-4, 7-5
6. Alyssia Fossorier (UCI) def. Caitlin Fisher (VILL), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
Order of finish: 3,5,2,1,4,6

Doubles
1. Althans/Zimmermann (VILL) def. Tilbury/Amiri (UCI), 7-6 (7-2)
2. Nguyen/Fossorier (UCI) def. DeNucci/Rotman (VILL), 6-3
3. Burdick/Olivia Kapp (VILL) def. Tsukiji/Schlatter (UCI), 6-2
Order of finish: 3, 2, 1

Quote from head coach Elizabeth Ferris
"Villanova has a heck of a team this season. They're fighters that played their games without fear. But we matched them in fight, grit, and spirit. They played a handful of crucial points a little better overall though. Number one doubles showed why they're up there and number two doubles was pushed hard today. Stephanie had to hit 5-10 shots almost went point to get the error or set up Alyssia. That shows how clutch and focused she is to be able to execute that over and over. Jenna was behind on the second 1-4 and 2-5 bit with a couple adjustments she took care of business. She's very coachable and capable of making all adjustments we ask of her. Arianna was asked to play a higher position than normal and I think she handled it well. She played a shot maker and weathered the storm well, she was able to dig herself out of some deep holes by staying calm and knowing her game was good enough. Alyssia also found herself in a big hole and fought back. She had to execute at a high level mentally to beat an opponent that was undefeated. Even though the match was already won by Villanova, it was great to see the team cheering hard for Alyssia in the last match. I'm proud of this team! We are showing passion, teamwork, and grit. We are starting to believe in ourselves more and its showing! Excited for the next match!"

Quote from Alyssia Fossorier
"Today was a battle. Everyone fought hard and kept a great amount of intensity. In doubles, Steph and I played to our strengths and trusted each other. In singles, the matches were close and everyone really gave it their all. Overall I'm proud of how our team competed and we will take what we learned into our next match."

Quote from Stephanie Nguyen
"Today's match was really tough. I thought everyone fought really hard and we had a lot of chances starting with doubles. Alyssia and I stuck to our game and it really paid off. For singles all of our matches were really close and I am proud of how everyone fought."