IRVINE, Calif. – Coming back from a 3-1 deficit, UC Irvine women's tennis (11-5, 2-2) upset #64 Hawai'i 4-3 in Honolulu on Friday.
The Anteaters netted their biggest win of the season on the back of four singles victories from Yen Nhi Huynh (No. 1 line), Carolyna Fowler (No. 2 line), Bella Pitchford (No. 5 line) and Maily Huynh (No. 6 line).
Hawai'i (5-5, 2-1) opened the day with a victory on the No. 2 doubles line, but UCI quickly answered with a victory from Pitchford/Quin Brady on the No. 3 line. The Rainbow Wahine officially went up 1-0 against UCI with a doubles clinching No. 1 line win, putting UCI down a point early.
After falling in a No. 4 line singles match immediately after doubles, UC Irvine got on the board with a victory in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) from M. Huynh. A UCI loss after Huynh's victory put the Anteaters against the ropes down 3-1, but despite the early adversity, UC Irvine dug in against their first ranked opponent on the season.
Three straight wins closed the day for the Anteaters, with Y. Huynh and Pitchford claiming victories to set up Fowler with a crucial chance on the No. 3 line to clinch the day on the road. The senior captain came through, winning in straight sets and giving UCI a crucial come-from-behind conference victory on the road. The clinch for Fowler was the first of the fourth-year's career.
The win is UCI's first against Hawai'i on the road since the 2014-15 season. The victory also serves as UCI's first ranked win since the Anteaters took down #48 San Diego State in 2013-14.
SINGLES RESULTS
1. Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) def. Grete Gull (UH) 2-6, 6-3, 0-6
2. Makeilah Nepomuceno (UH) def. Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-4, 6-2
3. Carolyna Fowler (UCI) def. Sophie Rachor (UH) 7-5, 7-6
4. Hannah Galindo (UH) def. Haily Huynh (UCI) 6-0, 6-1
5. Bella Pitchford (UCI) def. Allaire Berl (UH) 7-5, 6-4
6. Maily Huynh (UCI) def. Isabella Pampulov (UH) 6-2, 6-2
DOUBLES RESULTS
1. Grete Gull/Sophie Rachor (UH) def. Carolyna Fowler/Amanda Perez (UCI), 7-5
2. Hannah Galindo/Makeilah Nepomuceno (UH) def. Maily Huynh/Yen Nhi Huynh, 6-4
3. Bella Pitchford/Quin Brady (UCI) def. Allaire Berl/Isabella Pampulov (UH), 6-4
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1*); Singles (4,6,1,2,5,3*)
From Assistant Coach Hermont Legaspi:
"I'm just super ecstatic with how every single one of the 'Eater squad kept on supporting each other throughout these matches and giving themselves a fighting chance. We had a tough one in doubles as conditions in Hawaii are always varied and the Rainbow Wahine were used to such conditions, but we just had to reset back to singles and find multiple ways and moments to win. Nerves and adrenaline usually take over when all of the close moments we had today occur, and they definitely did! However, I'm so so proud of Bella and Lyna for getting themselves out of tough situations, putting their front foot down and owning their games to the best that they could! Yen had a really good win against an experienced opponent and Maily took care of business on her court. This support that we have for each other got the win for us over an experienced and tough team, and this will only become greater once we take on the Matadors next week and the rest of the conference foes to come!"
From Captain Carolyna Fowler:
"Doubles was a battle from the start, Amanda and I fought hard and made a strong comeback, even though we came up just short. That energy carried into singles, where our team showed so much heart to turn the match around and win four singles. Being out there at 3-3 for my first clinch was a moment I've worked toward for a long time, and I just kept reminding myself to stay composed and trust all the work we've put in. I'm really proud of how we competed as a team, and I'm grateful I could come through in that moment. To get this kind of win against a ranked conference opponent makes it even more special. I truly believed we could do it. Go 'Eaters!"
From Bella Pitchford:
"It has been a wonderful trip, especially to end with a win. We all fought super hard in our matches today. My match was a grind and had to go through mental adversity but fought through. Shoutout to Lyna Fowler for being the clinch today - so proud of her tenacity. Again, super proud of this team and can't wait for the next match. Go 'Eaters!"
UP NEXT
The Anteaters return home for a Big West matchup against Cal State Northridge in Irvine on Saturday (April 4), set for a 12:00 p.m. first serve.
