ORLANDO - No. 14 UCF (5-3) dominated early and never lifted its foot off the gas in Friday night's victory over future Big 12 conference opponent No. 65 TCU (6-2) at USTA National Campus, highlighted by excellent play from sophomores Noel Saidenova and Sophia Biolay, as well as senior No. 125 Nandini Sharma.
Marie Mattel and Biolay had a daunting task in front of them as they entered their first doubles appearance together of the spring season: taking down the 44th-ranked doubles tandem from TCU. Working quickly and efficiently, the UCF duo took court two by a score of 6-1, getting the Knights one step closer to the doubles point. Shortly after, Saidenova and Jantje Tilbuerger secured the doubles point for the Knights on court one with another strong decision, 6-2. Sharma and Jaleesa Leslie's match on court three was left unfinished before singles play started.
To kick off singles play, the Knights were able to take three of the six first sets. UCF extended its lead to two, thanks to a straight sets victory from Saidenova on court three, 6-3, 6-2. Within five minutes, the Black and Gold finished off the match with straight set victories on both courts five and six. Sharma defeated TCU's Yu-Chin Tsai 6-3, 6-3, continuing to show consistency on the back courts. Seconds later, Biolay took down Helena Narmont with a huge 6-2, 6-2 decision, clinching the match sweep for the Knights 4-0. All other courts were left unfinished after the clinch. The home court victory extended UCF's home win streak to 11.
UP NEXT - The Horned Frogs were the only Big XII team on the Knights schedule, leaving seven Power Five teams left to be played this season. With this victory, the Knights look to build momentum, as well as continuing their home win streak, before facing off against #25 Pepperdine Sunday, Feb. 26.
#14 UCF 4, #65 TCU 0
Singles competition
1. #31 Marie Mattel (UCF) vs. Tiphanie Lemaitre (TCU) 1-6, 5-4, unfinished
2. Jantje Tilbuerger (UCF) vs. Mercedes Aristegui (TCU) 3-6, 4-2, unfinished
3. Noel Saidenova (UCF) def. Jade Otway (TCU) 6-3, 6-2
4. Jaleesa Leslie (UCF) vs. Destinee Martins (TCU) 4-6, 6-1, 0-1, unfinished
5. Sophia Biolay (UCF) def. Helena Narmont (TCU) 6-2, 6-2
6. #125 Nandini Sharma (UCF) def. Yu-Chin Tsai (TCU) 6-3, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Noel Saidenova/Jantje Tilbuerger (UCF) def. Jade Otway/Mercedes Aristegui (TCU) 6-2
2. Marie Mattel/Sophia Biolay (UCF) def. #44 Helena Narmont/Yu-Chin Tsai (TCU) 6-1
3. Jaleesa Leslie/Nandini Sharma (UCF) vs. Tiphanie Lemaitre/Destinee Martins (TCU) 2-5, unfinished
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1); Singles (3,6,5)
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