IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women's tennis swept Monmouth, 7-0, for its first win of the 2025 season Friday at Anteater Tennis Stadium.
 
UCI (1-3) got out to a hot start in doubles as Carolyna Fowler and Yen Nhi Huynh teamed up for a 6-0 victory over Ximena Cano/Lauren Landstrom at No. 2. Nour Khayat and Amanda Perez followed suit at the top of the lineup as they dispatched Lana Brezanin/Hana McKinney, 6-0, to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
 
The 'Eaters were dominant in singles with straight-set wins over the Hawks (3-5) on all six courts. Yen Nhi Huynh quickly gave UC Irvine a 2-0 advantage after taking down Becky Fisher, 6-0, 6-2, at the sixth position.
 
Fowler then closed out a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Landstrom at No. 3, before Kayla Meraz delivered the match-clinching point on court one. Meraz shut out Brezanin with a 6-0, 6-0 triumph.
 
Play continued on the remaining courts with Haily Huynh downing Cano, 6-0, 6-2, and Maily Huynh, who was making her first appearance in the dual match singles lineup, defeating Sadgrove, 6-4, 6-1. Perez then got the best of McKinney, 6-1, 6-3, to secure the sweep.
 
FROM THE PLAYERS
"Our fourth match of the season was a great way to show how we fight for every win, and ended up sweeping in every match. Being my first singles match, I was nervous in the beginning but started swinging, and got the win. I was really proud of how everyone played as a team, as well as keeping our spirits up till the very end. We are going to continue to work harder in the matches to come, zot zot!" – Maily Huynh
 
"This match was a great example of how hard work pays off as a team. Personally in my match I was able to find my groove with my forehand and serve off the bat. This showed as the match continued and I was able to stay mentally calm and continue hitting my ball. This was a great day for the 'Eaters, we will continue to work as a team and bring this momentum into the next match! Go 'Eaters!" – Kayla Meraz
 
HEAD COACH ELIZABETH FERRIS SMITH
"Several years ago we played at Monmouth so it was exciting to host them in their first ever trip out west. I was pleased to see a higher level of energy in doubles and hitting our shots right away instead of trying to play our way into it. Good bounce back wins for Kayla, AP and Haily and well done to Maily for her first college dual match win. They played the crucial points very well. And, a Happy Valentine's Day to my husband Adam!"
 
SINGLES RESULTS
Kayla Meraz (UCI) def. Lana Brezanin (MON) 6-0, 6-0
Amanda Perez (UCI) def. Hana McKinney (MON) 6-1, 6-3
Carolyna Fowler (UCI) def. Lauren Landstrom (MON) 6-1, 6-0
Haily Huynh (UCI) def. Ximena Cano (MON) 6-0, 6-2
Maily Huynh (UCI) def. Faith Sadgrove (MON) 6-4, 6-1
Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) def. Becky Fisher (MON) 6-0, 6-2
 
DOUBLES RESULTS
Nour Khayat/Amanda Perez (UCI) def. Lana Brezanin/Hana McKinney (MON) 6-0
Carolyna Fowler/Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) def. Ximena Cano/Lauren Landstrom (MON) 6-0
Maily Huynh/Kayla Meraz (UCI) vs. Becky Fisher/Faith Sadgrove (MON) 1-4, unfinished
 
UP NEXT
UCI returns to Anteater Tennis Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 16, for its Big West opener against UC Davis. First serve is set for 11 a.m.