IRVINE, Calif. – In a match that took close to four hours, UC Irvine dropped 5-2 to Idaho in the Anteaters home opener.
 
Doubles action proved difficult for the 'Eaters as they were not able to find their groove on courts one and three en route to the Vandals clinching the point. The duo of Carolyna Fowler and Yen Nhi Huynh were up 5-4 on their opposition when the match was called.
 
The Anteaters evened the score, 1-1, with Kayla Meraz's 6-2, 6-0 win at the No. 1 slot. Meraz was up 3-0 in the first set before she went point for point with UI's Annabel Davis, moving to 5-2 in the set, and then locked in to put it away in the final outing. Idaho collected two points on courts four and five to move back in front, 3-1.  At the No. 6 position, Haily Huynh was able to add to UCI's side with her 6-3, 6-2 victory to move the match back within one.
 
Both courts two and three were playing for the final point and both went to a third tiebreaking set. The match was clinched by Idaho in a 6-2 third set win on court three.
 
FROM THE PLAYERS
"While today didn't go our way, I was happy with the team's fight. For my match, personally, I was able to build my confidence off of staying within the point. My opponent didn't make it easy as she was a strong competitor, however I was able to stay steady and use my strengths to win this match. We as a team will continue to build off this match and use it to strengthen our team!" –Kayla Meraz
 
"I am happy with the way I played today. I was able to stay disciplined throughout my match to pull out the win. Even though I went in nervous, I was able to trust my shots today. I think this match was a good steppingstone to future matches, everyone fought hard, and this team will improve every match. This is just the beginning; I am excited for the rest of the season." –Haily Huynh
 
SINGLES RESULTS
Kayla Meraz (UCI) def. Annabel Davis (UI) 6-2, 6-0
Diana Khaydarshina (UI) def. Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4
Hanna Koprowska (UI) def. Carolyna Fowler (UCI) 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2
Naomi Schraeder (UI) def. Bella Pitchford (UCI) 6-2, 6-2
Valentina Rodas (UI) def. Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) 6-2, 7-5
Haily Huynh (UCI) def. Ida Johansson (UI) 6-3, 6-2
 
DOUBLES RESULTS
Annabel Davis/Valentina Rodas (UI) def. Bella Pitchford/Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-3
Carolyna Fowler/Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) vs. Hanna Koprowska/Naomi Schraeder (UI) 5-4 uf
Ida Johansson/Chenyue Xi (UI) def. Kayla Meraz/Lindsay Kim (UCI) 6-1
 
UP NEXT
UCI will take two weeks to rest before returning to the Anteater Tennis Stadium to class with Santa Clara on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.