Erik Chu
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The Cal Poly women’s tennis team dropped a total of two sets on Sunday afternoon against UC Riverside to defeat the Highlanders 7-0 and pick up its first Big West victory of 2014.
In doubles, senior Jennifer Cornea and junior Hannah Stone rebounded from a loss in their previous match with an 8-1 victory. Cal Poly senior Kathryn Webb and junior Mika Padmanabhan rolled by the Highlanders’ Tiffany Jue and Thanh Doan for an 8-2 victory.
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships,” Webb said. “We’re here to go all the way and plan to do so by following this motto – ‘The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.’”
On the third court, senior Ane McPike and freshman Emily Gibbens swept their match 8-0 to give Cal Poly the doubles point.
In singles, Jennifer Cornea posted a 6-2, 6-2 triumph, while Gibbens defeated Pattugalan, 5-7, 6-2, 1-0. Mustangs from No. 3 to No. 6 all strolled to easy victories, including freshman Sayaka Tsugai’s 6-0, 6-0 sweep at No. 6.
“Our team is becoming stronger and closer everyday, and getting ready for the Big West tournament,” Tsuagai said. “I am glad that it was a total team effort, and that everyone contributed to the victory.”
Cal Poly (4-9, 1-5 Big West) closes a seven-match homestand when hosting UC Santa Barbara on Saturday.