March 12, 2007
Irvine, Calif. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Riding a ton of momentum and a five-match winning streak into its trip to California, the UCF women's tennis team almost pulled off the upset of No. 28 UC Irvine Monday, falling to the Anteaters, 4-3. The Golden Knights fell to 5-5 with the loss, as they will wrap up the west-cost trip Tuesday with a showdown with Cal State Fullerton at 5 p.m. ET.
"It was a hard-fought match and we got really close," said head coach Patricia Allison. "The team played well and it is very difficult to come close against a top team and not win. We had our opportunities and what is really hard is to come that close and not make it happen. But that is all part of the process in learning how to win. We will bounce back for our match against Cal State Fullerton."
UCF stormed out to a 1-0 lead over UC Irvine (14-2) thanks to winning two of the three doubles matches. Junior Anna Yakimchenkova and sophomore Elvira Serrot cruised at No. 1, topping Clare Fermin and Heidi Kaloi, 8-3. Junior Kyla McNicol and sophomore Kenza Belbacha ensured the Knights of claiming the first point of the day by defeating Inna Agababian and Jessica Broadfoot at No. 2, 8-6.
In singles action, Serrot had the task of going up against Becky Bernhard at No. 1, who was ranked No. 81 in the nation. Serrot managed to squeak out the first set, 7-5, and then saw Bernhard retire due to an injury. Even though McNicol notched a 6-4, 6-4 triumph at No. 4 to give UCF three points on the afternoon, the Anteaters were able to post wins at the other three singles matches to secure the overall victory.
"While it is difficult to have a very tough loss, our girls have tremendous integrity and will use this as an opportunity to build on," said Allison.
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