IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's tennis took a point off the 25th-ranked UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Saturday at Anteater Tennis Stadium as the 'Eaters celebrated its seniors in the final home match of 2022.
The Anteaters (8-13, 1-6) jumped out to the lead in doubles play as
Emily Fowler and
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico scored a set win. The Gauchos (15-6, 7-0) led by the ranked duo of Shakhnoza Khatamova and Elizaveta Volodko surged back to win the doubles point on a pair of 6-3 set wins to lead 1-0.
Singles play was quickly clinched by the Gauchos earning a point on Fowler's retirement at No. 4 singles and followed by three straight set wins.
Dasee Carter took the opening set of her match at No. 5 singles, but was unable to seal the win.
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico made some noise at No. 1 singles battling into a third-set tiebreak after dropping the opening set against Khatamova ranked No. 88 in the nation. Gonzalez-Rico finished what she started winning the third set, 10-8, for the upset win and avoid the sweep to UCSB, 6-1.
The Anteaters honored their five seniors following the match -
Jessica Tsukiji,
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico,
Dasee Carter,
Megan Mansonhing, and
Shreya Pavani.
Â
UC Irvine does fall to 1-6 in Big West play with just two matches remaining, and close out home play with a 4-6 mark in addition to an 8-13 overall record. UCI heads to the road for their final two matches; April 23 at Long Beach State and the 24th at Cal State Fullerton.
Postmatch Quotes
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico - "So pumped to have gotten two wins against a very tough team, especially on my senior day!! I'm excited to keep building from this in the coming couple weeks!"
Jessica Tsukiji - "My teammates were so thoughtful and sweet, and I couldn't have asked for a more special senior day. It made me so happy to have all my family and friends there for support. I'm looking forward to finishing out the rest of the season!"
Dasee Carter - "I'm so proud of my team for how we fought during my last home match today, and I'm so grateful to have played alongside these amazing teammates for the past four years. I want to thank Liz for supporting me throughout my time here, as well as Libby and Betsy this year. I'm so excited to play more matches these next two weeks and build on what we've been working on all season. Go 'Eaters!!"
Megan Mansonhing - "Today was super special having so many family and friends come to celebrate Senior Day. Thank yo uto everyone who has made these four years so amazing!"
Shreya Pavani - "These past four years have gone by so fast and I'm so grateful to have experienced them alongside this special group of girls. They mean so much to me, they're my family and I'm excited to see them succeed in the years to come. Our season is not done yet and I can't wait to finish it out strong! Always proud of my Lady Anteaters, zot zot!"
