IRVINE, Calif. – The UC Irvine women's tennis team completed a successful fall tournament season and was in the midst of spring dual-match play when spring sports were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I was very pleased with how our team came together this season. We had a no whining, no excuses, do whatever it takes attitude this year. It was all about embracing adversity, showing passion, and getting out of their comfort zones. There was a refuse to lose no fear look in their eye this season," said head coach Elizabeth Ferris. "We saw it all this year. Jessica, Jenna, and Gillian showed their versatility and defense. They sliced, diced, dropped, lobbed, and finished at the net. They play with a truly artistic flair. Steph and Flora played a big game where they took control of the baseline and won on their terms. They came up with some huge shots that could really get the crowd going. Dana and Dasee are also looking to hone their games in this style and did well with it. Halla and Jackie gave us solid counter punching from the baseline. They both played disciplined and within themselves which was very frustrating for their opponents. Arianna and Alyssia became much more versatile players as well by mixing in more spins, angels, power, and net game. Shreya and Megan also started to play within themselves and had a reliable game which gave them great success. Sometimes you have to realize playing solid is more important than playing flashy. Each player found their identity this season and it was fun as coaches to work with so many different styles and come up with game plans for each of them."

EARLY SEASON SUCCESS
The fall season was highlighted by Alyssia Fossorier who won the singles main draw championship at the SDSU Fall Classic II. She defeated Abby Warner from Air Force, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-1. Fossorier earned 10 wins during the fall season.

Jessica Tsukiji also won the consolation bracket at the SDSU Classic. Tsukiji totaled eight wins during the fall portion of play.

DYNAMIC DUO
Alyssia Fossorier and Stephanie Nguyen teamed up at No. 2 doubles to finish the season with a 4-2 record including a perfect 2-0 mark in Big West play. The pair earned a 6-4 win over Hawaii's Madison Kim and Michelle Pitts and a 6-3 victory over UC Davis' Kristina Breisacher and Shirley Hall.

Ferris: "Who could forget about number two doubles. What can you say but wow!! Steph had some shots that you don't see too often at this level. Her ability to hit with pace, depth, and consistency under pressure that then allowed Alyssia to do her thing at the net was amazing. She produced some shots that were truly unforgettable. Alyssia was all over the net. You wouldn't even see her coming and then there she was, on a full stretch popping a volley at her opponent or jumping up in the air as high as possible to cover a lob. They could really get the crowd pumped. The two of them were a great combination and as good as it gets."

FRESHMAN START
Jenna Schlatter made an immediate impact on the Anteater lineup in her first season with the 'Eaters. As the only true freshman, she went 5-2 during the dual-match season playing at the No. 4, 5 and 6 spots.

Schlatter clinched a 4-0 win for the 'Eaters against upcoming Big West opponent UC San Diego on Feb 20. She defeated UCSD's Julianna Sabile, 6-3, 6-2, at No. 6 to clinch the UCI victory. During that match, Schlatter teamed up with Jessica Tsukiji to win at No. 3 doubles, 6-1. Schlatter finished the short season with a 5-5 doubles record.

Ferris: "It was great to see Jenna compete so hard as a freshman and have the success she did in singles. She had some tough losses in the fall and the beginning of the season that could have had her shook, but instead it only made her tougher and hungrier."

TSUKIJI ON TOP
Jessica Tsukiji was in the midst of having another successful season. She posted the top singles dual-match record on the team, going 5-1. Overall, she was 8-5 in singles. Tsukiji won both Big West Conference matches that were played. Against Hawaii, she topped Nikola Dolakova at No. 4, 706 (7-5), 7-5. She followed that up with a conference win at UC Davis, 0-6, 7-6 (7-3), 1-0 (10-4), against Shirley Hall. Tsukiji was 4-1 when playing at the No. 3 spot and 1-0 at No. 1 singles.

STRONG LEADERSHIP
UC Irvine was led all season by its three captains, Arianna Tilbury, Jacqueline Tsodikova and Stephanie Nguyen. Nguyen played all season at the No. 1 spot while Tilbury finished with a 4-2 singles record at Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5. Tsokidova finished with a 3-0 record, playing two matches at No. 2 and one match at No. 6.

Ferris: "It's not often that a coach can say their entire roster, especially a roster of our size, got better and played a part in the team's success. That's so inspiring. I also want to give a shoutout to our three captains Stephanie, Arianna, and Jackie. Each of them brought their own flare and ability to connect with each player in their own way. They could be tough but fair. They were fine examples of how one should conduct themselves and the coaching staff was very appreciative of how they went above and beyond. We should all be proud of how each one of us has worked to change the culture of this program for the better."

Schedule

2019-20 Women's Tennis Season Highlights

Players Mentioned

Alyssia Fossorier

Stephanie Nguyen

Jenna Schlatter

Arianna Tilbury

Jacqueline Tsodikova

Jessica Tsukiji

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