CHICAGO – The Anteaters suffered a 6-1 setback at Chicago State in their first of two games in the Midwest.
 
The Cougars jumped out to the early 1-0 lead after taking the doubles point with their 6-0 win on court three before grabbing a 6-4 victory on court two. Sister duo Carolyna Fowler and Emily Fowler at No. 1 brought their match to one point, forcing the tiebreaker set, and fell to their opponents, 7-6 (7-3).
 
Chicago State continued their scoring run with points at No. 2 and No. 4 singles to go ahead 3-0 in the match. These were the only two individual matches completed in two sets.
 
Sophomore Larissa Teramura tallied the lone Anteater point to halt Chicago State's momentum. At the No. 5 spot, Teramura collected the first set win 6-1. The sophomore fell 6-3 in the second game but was able to rally for a 6-1 set three victory.
 
The Cougars won the remaining three matches of the match, all in three sets, to earn the 6-1 match win.
 
"I knew this would be a tough match," stated head coach Elizabeth Ferris Smith. "We both have had some close losses to good teams. Chicago State played like they had something to prove and was hungrier for the win. They brought the energy on each court."
"As per usual Jenna [Schlatter] and Larissa [Teramura] fought for each point and made their opponents earn every point. Carolyna [Fowler] came into the lineup last minute but was excited and ready to go. She too played like she had something to prove, and it served her well. We worked together to come up with a good strategy and she executed well- a lot of credit to her opponent for closing it out. I was happy Amanda [Perez] closed out her second set after dealing with some ups and downs. She competed hard to take it. A good rest tonight will do her well to be ready for tomorrow."
"On a couple of other courts, we couldn't get past ourselves to get into strategy. I'd like to see us deal with the intangibles a little better tomorrow and enjoy the fight."
 
DOUBLES
Manuella Eloundou/Nia Cooper (CSU) def. Carolyna Fowler/Emily Fowler (UCI) 7-6 (7-3)
Ethel Li/Sofiya Sedovich (CSU) def. Kayla Meraz/Jenna Schlatter (UCI) 6-4  
Katarina Dukic/Amina Taibi (CSU) def. Asha Gidwani/Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-0
 
SINGLES DRAWS
Eloundou (CSU) def. Jenna Schlatter (UCI) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
Dukic (CSU) def. Asha Gidwani (UCI) 6-2, 6-3
Sedovich (CSU) def. Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-3, 6-7 (7-9), 6-1
Li (CSU) def. Haily Huynh (UCI) 6-1, 6-4
Larissa Teramura (UCI) def. Helin Alvarez (CSU) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1
Cooper (CSU) def. Carolyna Fowler (UCI) 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (4-7)
 
WHAT THE PLAYERS HAD TO SAY
"Today was a battle to the end! Everyone played hard and there were many close matches, but we just fell a little short. In my match, I fought for every point, never gave up, and I was rewarded with the win. Playing indoors was something most of the team wasn't used to, and it took some adjustment at first, but I'm proud of the way everyone accommodated to the conditions. Now it's just time to bounce back for our match tomorrow. Go 'Eaters!" -Larissa Teramura
 
UP NEXT
UC Irvine makes the drive over to Milwaukee on Mar. 3 to close out their Midwest trip for a 8 a.m. PT (10 a.m. CT) start.