IRVINE, Calif. – UCI faltered to a strong New Mexico squad, 4-0, on Friday afternoon at the Anteater Tennis Stadium.
 
The match was played clinch-clinch.
 
Doubles play kicked off and the Lobos took the match on court two, 6-0. Both the matches on the first and third courts were going back and forth, but New Mexico was able to collect the 6-4 win at No. 1 to clinch the doubles point.
 
UNM continued on their scoring run with two set wins at both No. 4 and No. 5 singles to go up 3-0 in the match. Asha Gidwani and Larissa Teramura each won their first sets at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively and took them all the way to seven points. After losing the first part of action, Kayla Meraz forced an extra set at No. 2 as she won the second set.
 
Jenna Schlatter battled hard in her No. 1 singles match, took her opponent to extra points in the second set, continued to fight on, but dropped 7-5 in the extra stanza where New Mexico clinched the match point, 4-0.
 
"There were times the match looked a little bleak and then Larissa, Asha, Kayla, and Jenna storm back to make it a dog fight," said head coach Elizabeth Ferris Smith. "The match was a little bit of a roller coaster. As soon as you think one player has the lead and momentum the other would dig deep and find a way to make it even."
 
"When Kayla trusts herself and the strategy, she's impressive. When the only thought she has is the strategy and she's playing in the moment, she can reel off game after game. I was proud of her snagging the second set and bringing back the third set to even after being down 4-0. Asha had to bring all her shots, energy, and footwork to today's match. A lot of credit to her opponent for closing out the second set. You have to win every point against that player."
 
"Asha did an excellent job of composing herself to start the third set and get up 2-0. She could I've easily folded mentally. Jenna was also down 1-4 in the first. She pushed hard to make that set close and give herself a chance to win the second set. A lot of credit to her opponent for being equally tough. She too had the type of game you had to put so much effort into winning each point. Larissa just does her thing out there. She's so steady physically, mentally, and strategically. She never gets too high or too low. I liked our chances in all the matches that were left- too bad they couldn't finish."
 
"Court two doubles got a little unlucky losing some key deuce points and ones did a great job of storming back from a 2-4 deficit and 3s were in a fight. Not an easy turn around tomorrow, but I'm confident we can make some helpful tweaks."
 
DOUBLES
Katherine Jhang/Leonie Hoppe (UNM) def. Carolyna Fowler/Emily Fowler (UCI), 6-4
Hsuan Huang/Maria Sodre (UNM) def. Kayla Meraz/Jenna Schlatter (UCI), 6-0  
Asha Gidwani/Amanda Perez (UCI) vs. Maud Vandeputte/Sofia Taborga (UNM), 4-4 unf
 
SINGLES DRAWS
Sarah O'Connor (UNM) def. Jenna Schlatter (UCI) 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Kayla Meraz (UCI) vs. Jhang (UNM) 3-6, 6-3, 4-4 unf
Asha Gidwani (UCI) vs. Huang (UNM) 7-5, 5-6, 2-0 unf
M. Vandeputte (UNM) def. Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-1, 6-4
Hoppe (UNM) def. Haily Huynh (UCI) 6-2, 6-3
Larissa Teramura (UCI) vs. Sodre (UNM) 7-6 (7-1), 5-7, 1-0 unf
 
WHAT THE PLAYERS HAD TO STAY 
"I'm really proud of how everyone fought today. Every person playing was fighting for every single point and game. In doubles, Amanda and I really found our groove and we were dominating the court. We were really connected and in sync with one another. I had my teammates, Cydney and Nour, cheering me on for every point. I felt really supported by them and that really helped me push during my match. Every single person today was fighting so hard, and I think going into our next matches we are going to be a hard team to beat." -Asha Gidwani
 
"It was an exciting match at home! The team atmosphere and support really gave me the energy to do well and fight throughout my match, and I saw great effort from the whole team today! Zot zot zot!" -Larissa Teramura

"I'm really proud of the fight that everyone gave. Although it didn't go our way today, we will be back stronger next time. Go 'Eaters!" -Kayla Meraz

UP NEXT
The Anteaters head up the road to nearby Cal State Los Angeles for a 11 a.m. match on Feb. 24.