IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women's tennis opened up their 2023 slate with an exciting 9-0 victory over William Jessup University Friday afternoon.

The match started with doubles where three Anteaters saw their dual match debut. Freshman Asha Gidwani and Amanda Perez teamed up to defeat the duo of Aysha Hayes and Stephanie Alsman 6-1. Junior Emily Fowler was paired with her sister and freshman Carolyna Fowler where they took down Isabella Reitz and Danielle Akabane in a closer contested 6-2 battle.

Haily Huynh and Larissa Teramura were the fourth and fifth newcomers to play in their first competition as Anteaters, defeating their respective opponent in singles play.

Captain Jenna Schlatter had an incredible outing, winning all her matches outright 6-0.

In singles exhibition, both Nour Khayat and Cydney Yamamoto faced Grace Sepe from the Warriors. Khayat defeated Sepe 6-1 while Yamamoto went a perfect 6-0.

"It was good to see a great crowd out there, especially women's soccer which made for a much more fun and energetic match," stated Head Coach Elizabeth Ferris-Smith. "I was pleased to see the team focused and staying with their strategies today. Looking forward to productive practices leading in to some tough upcoming home matches."

SINGLES DRAWS
Jenna Schlatter (UCI) defeated Jessica Holbea (WJU) 6-0, 6-0
Alyssia Fossorier (UCI) defeated Aysha Hayes (WJU) 6-0, 6-2
Asha Gidwani (UCI) defeated Nicollet Alexander (WJU) 6-2, 6-0
Amanda Perez (UCI) defeated Danielle Akabane (WJU) 6-0, 6-0
Haily Huynh (UCI) defeated Stephanie Alsman (WJU) 6-1, 6-0
Larissa Teramura (UCI) defeated Isabella Rietz (WJU) 6-0, 6-1

DOUBLES
Schlatter/Fossorier (UCI) defeated Holbea/Alexander (WJU), 6-0
C.Fowler/E.Fowler (UCI) defeated Rietz/Akabane (WJU) 6-2
Gidwani/Perez (UCI) defeated Hayes/Alsman (WJU) 6-1

WHAT THE PLAYERS HAD TO SAY:
"It was a great atmosphere out there today! I was super excited to get the win alongside Alyssia in doubles and I'm glad that carried through my singles match as well. It was extremely fun to play in front of a very energetic crowd and I'm grateful for everyone who came to support. I'm also very proud of everyone on the team for putting in such a great effort! Looking forward to the next match!!! Rip em 'Eaters!!" – Jenna Schlatter
 
"It was so exciting to play my first home opener match of the season alongside my teammates! We all brought great energy both on and off court and kept our focus all the way through. For doubles, my partner and I worked on moving forward and closing at the net. I look forward to continue competing hard with the team the rest of the season! Eat em up!" – Amanda Perez
 
UP NEXT
UCI will take a 15-day hiatus to prepare for a visit from Portland State on Sunday February 5^th with an 11 a.m. start.