Despite losses against Louisiana Tech and Texas-Arlington on Sunday, the Vandal womens tennis team had wins against Texas-San Antonio and New Mexico State, earning a spot in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.
Against UTSA Friday, Victoria Lozano continued her hot streak, giving the Vandals an 8-4 win at No. 1 doubles with partner Almudena Sanz. Lozano extended her doubles match winning streak to five matches in a row. Constance Alexander and Alejandra Lozano were unable to hold off UTSA at No. 2 doubles, losing 8-4, but the combination of Rita Bermudez and Beatriz Flores answered back with a dominant 8-1 win at No. 3 doubles.
Victoria Lozano won in singles competition but Sanz did not. Alexander went down despite forcing three sets, but Vandal freshman Belen Barcenilla earned a two-set victory at No. 4.
For the second time this season it was up to Flores to break a 3-3 overall match tie and for the second time this season she delivered, clinching the victory for Idaho with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 5 singles against Miranda Poile. Thanks to Flores’ clutch play the Vandals overcame a closely contested match with a 4-3 win against the Roadrunners. Including this victory, four of the Vandals’ last eight wins have been within a one-point margin.
It wasn’t until a 4-0 victory against New Mexico State Saturday that the Vandals qualified for the conference tournament. The Vandals clinched the doubles point with a win at No. 2 doubles from Alexander and Alejandra Lozano, and another win at No. 3 doubles from Bermudez and Flores.
“The doubles point was crucial for the confidence and going into singles,” said Idaho coach Myriam Sopel. “We lost five of the six first sets, but we found a way to make our shots, gain confidence, and go into tough three-setters to get the win.”
Alejandra Lozano turned out to be the difference-maker in the match, sealing a 4-0 victory for the Vandals with a win at No. 6 singles.
The Vandals couldn’t keep the momentum going on Sunday with a 4-1 loss to Louisiana Tech and a 4-2 loss later that day to UTA.
Sitting at 9-10 overall the Vandals will play a make-up road match against Gonzaga at 6 p.m Wednesday. The Vandals will then return to WAC play when they play Seattle University at 3 p.m Friday., San Jose State on at 3 p.m Saturday. and Texas State at 10 a.m Sunday. All three matches will be played in Moscow.
Aaron Wolfe can be reached at [email protected]